The 19-piece Compaq Big Band is going back to the ‘heart of their start’ with their debut at Sanctuary, the historic, tasty, and tasteful entertainment spot in Maynard, Massachusetts on Saturday February 12th. Formed at the late Digital Equipment Corporation’s Mill complex literally one block down the road, as the DECbigband , that group eventually evolved into today’s Compaq Big Band. In the last two decades, they’ve risen to prominence throughout New England as one of the most accomplished full-size big bands in the region, featuring a cookin’ rhythm section and 14 horns that achieve an ultra-tight sound, with terrific instrumental soloists. To complement this high-powered ensemble they showcase a rotation of talented jazz vocalists. While they’re faithful to traditional Swing Era classics, they really dig their chops into challenging swing and jazz arrangements played by the most approachable yet progressive big bands of the last four decades.

Sanctuary has been a leader in Covid-19 safety precautions from the onset of the pandemic. Admission requires proof of being fully vaccinated or proof of negative commercial establishment Covid-19 test result obtained no more than 72 hours in advance of the event. Limited capacity. All band members fully vaccinated and boosted. For full venue Covid-19 information go to https://www.sanctuarymaynard.com/CovidPolicy.

Show time is 8:00pm-11:00pm. Doors open 7:00pm, and seating is General Admission. Advance tickets are recommended, but last-minuters are great, too – as space permits. Tickets for sale on-line at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/compaq-big-band-tickets-248862463327. Admission $18 in advance and $22 at the door.

Sanctuary is located at 82 Main Street, features the best in Greater Boston's bands, comedians, and more. They offer a full bar with table service. Guests are welcome to bring in take-away dinners from a selection of Downtown Maynard restaurants.

The show features vocalists Alexandra Grace and Ed Scheer. Alexandra Grace is a recent Berklee College of Music graduate who hails from Gloucester. When not in front of the Compaq Big Band, she has a more-than-full plate performing solo/duo gigs on the North Shore, writing and recording her original music, and teaching both at the Marblehead School of Music, and in her private studio in Gloucester.

Ed Scheer is known to many audience regulars at Sanctuary, most notably as the founder and front man for Boston’s ‘The Love Dogs’, the region’s preeminent jump blues, jump swing, New Orleans R&B, and just-plain-fun band Whether it’s in front of his group, sitting at the drum kit, or freelancing throughout Greater Boston in both roles, he is the consummate professional.

Alexandra will be channelin’ Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, and other greats. And, Ed will be croonin’ out favorites as arranged for Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Michael Buble, plus some exclusive full big band arrangements of hits from The Love Dogs done by the band's own Scott Tringali. The band will also sprinkle in a few instrumental features from names such as Gordon Goodwin, Chris Walden, Tom Kubis, Callum Au, and Sammy Nestico.

Check out www.compaqbigband.com and www.sanctuarymaynard.com, and like both the band and the venue on Facebook.