Hello,
Since I don't do Facebook or Twitter, I thought this would be the best way to let you know when and where I am appearing and what I've been doing. Many of you have asked, and I honestly can't keep up with where all of you are. So here I am, with all the latest info in one place. I hope to be able to keep in touch with more of you this way, and now you can contact me right here at the site. Thanks for visiting.
This site is written in "blog" style - so start at the bottom (or where you left off) and work your way up. My appearances on the right are top to bottom.
2013---
The RECREATION LEAGUE OF CLEVELAND, a private, invitational organization representing many of Cleveland's "founding families," was formed in 1927 by a group of parents who wanted "to provide supervised recreation and wholesome entertainment" for their sons and daughters. A constitution was adopted, and FRANCES P. BOLTON was elected as first president. In its early years the league sponsored coasting parties, afternoon tea dances, and other entertainment for the children (juniors, ages 14-16, seniors, 16-18). In Dec. 1937 the league held its first Assembly Ball for the members' college-freshmen daughters, patterned after the Philadelphia Assembly Ball (1748). The Christmas holiday festivity, in which approx. 50 young ladies are formally introduced to Cleveland society, has been described as a "family affair," as the debutantes ("hostesses") are led down the UNION CLUB OF CLEVELAND staircase (the usual setting for this annual event) by their fathers in the traditional Grand March, greet their families and friends at a formal reception, and conclude the evening with a dinner and dance with their escorts. For several years, I have played the Grand March and the background music for the formal reception along with Don Day, bass; Bob McKee, drums; and Dr. John Petrone, piano. The event was held on Saturday, Dec. 28th at the Union Club.
The 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service at Columbia United Methodist Church had quite a variety of music. The Merrill Family (Walt & Jessica), Liz Bailey on flute, Marcia played the hyms and carols on the piano, and our in-house brass quartet - Doug Painting and I played trumpet, Ann Painting on horn, and David Painting on trombone offered a selection of carols.
Saturday, Dec. 21st was my last appearance with the Don Disantis Orchestra after a run of almost 11 years. When I gave Don my notice I told him it was time to do something different. And so, D'Agnese's Ristorante was the last gig with Don and the guys. Thanks to my family and friends who came out for one last bit of fun. And thank you, Don, and best wishes going forward.
Twinsburg Senoirs Christmas Party was held at the Twinsburg Garden Hilton Inn on Friday, Dec. 20th from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Larry Patch was the bandleader and we had an 8-piece band but a big-band sound. I wish that band could get some more gigs, what FUN.
The Strongsville Community Band Holiday Concert was Sunday, Dec. 15th at 3:00 p.m.
Raintree Country Club in Uniontown was the site of the Akron Italian-American Businessmen's Asscoiation Christmas Party with music by the Don Disantis Orchestra. The date was Saturday, Dec. 14th.
The Don Disantis Orchestra also provided the dance music for the Guys and Dolls Dance Club again for their fall gala. The event was held at Weymouth Country Club in Medina on Friday, Dec. 13.
The final apperance for the Cleveland TOPS Swingband in 2013 came on Wednesday, Dec. 11th at Menorah Park in Beachwood. The New Year's Eve afternoon dance at Altenheim Community Center in Strongsville was canceled due to construction at the facility. They are expanding and there was no parking available.
It was a real treat to perform the Puccini "Gloria" with a 25-piece orchestra and a well-prepared choir for two services on Sunday, Dec. 8th at Federated Church of Chagrin Falls. Each service concluded with Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus." In the afternoon, the Strongsville City Jazz Big Band gave a benefit concert at Strongsville United Church of Christ. The theme was "Have a Swingin' Merry Christmas." All the selections were seasonal carols and tunes in a big band jazz format. The concert was to benefit the organ restoration fund, the second year we have done this and it might just become a tradition.
Friday, Nov. 22nd found the BW Alumni Brass Collective at the I-X Center in Cleveland for the annual Christmas Connection. We played an hour of seasonal music from 6-7 p.m. for the shoppers between two performances of the Singing Angels.
Residents of Fairfax Place Senior Living in Cleveland enjoyed another TOPS concert of traditional big band music on Wednesday, Nov. 20th from 2-3 p.m.
The Cleveland TOPS Swingband played to a near capacity crowd for the Trinity Cathedral Brown Bag Concert on Wednesday, Nov. 13th. A total of 378 attended including some students from a nearby elementary school. Check out the slide show from the concert here.
November 11, 2013 - This Veterans Day found me again playing TAPS at Copopa Elementary School in Columbia Station for their Veterans Day celebration.
D'Agnese's Ristorante in Akron hosted the Don Disantis Band for their monthly gig on Saturday, Nov. 8th. Tom Fries subbed for George on drums and we a had a HUGE crowd right up until the last half hour. I can't remember a bigger crowd. It was fun, good dancers too.
Nov. 6, 2013 - the Cleveland TOPS Swingband played for the residents of Musician Towers in Cleveland Hts. from 2-3 p.m.
I played a very interesting wedding ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 26th. It was held at St. Paul's Catholic Church on East 40th in downtown Cleveland. The entire service was in Croatian. Joe Trczinski, Mark Hentosh, and I played the bride down the asile with Trumpet Voluntary arranged for three trumpets with NO accompaniment. The bride & groom exited to the Mendelssohn Wedding March, again three trumpets unaccompanied. Quite unusual but very effective. The other music was a small chamber choir (in Croatian) and a string ensemble of four players. The church is a beautiful European-style cahtedral with a real pipe organ although we didn't get to hear it.
The Cleveland TOPS Swingband played a concert for residents of the Eliza Bryant Village in Cleveland on Thursday, Oct. 24th from 3-4 p.m. just ONE DAY after we played for folks at the Warrensville Senior Apartments in University Hts. on Wednesday, Oct. 23rd from 3-4 p.m. We don't normally play back-to-back dates but one had to be rescheduled.
Columbia United Methodist Church in Columbia Station held its annual Gospel Fest on Saturday, Oct. 19th from 6:30-9 p.m. I ran sound for the vocal performers and the final group was the BW Alumni Brass Collective. We played the gospel flavored arrangements that Luther Henderson wrote for the Canadian Brass including Nearer My God To Thee, and Amazing Grace.
Westwood Country Club in Rocky River hosted the Guys & Dolls Dance Club for their annual fall dinner dance on Friday, Oct. 18th from 8-11 p.m. Always a pleasure to play for this group with the Don Disantis Orchestra.
October 17, 2013 was a Thursday and the Cleveland TOPS Swingband traveled to Norwalk, Ohio to play a two-hour concert for residents of local senior facilities and nursihg homes that were bussed to Calvary Baptist Church. We played two sets to a VERY enthusiastic audience of about 175 and made a lot of new friends that day. We hope to return in 2014.
Willoughby Seniors held their annual clambake on Sunday, Oct. 13th at St. Noel's Hall in Willoughby. Don Disantis' Band provided the music and a special treat was seeing Helen Welch there as a guest. Don coaxed her to sing two songs with the band. She is one of my absolute favorite people to work with.
Kirtland Country Club was the site for a funraiser dinner and silent auction for Willoughby Rotary Club on Saturday, Oct. 5th with music by the Don Disantis Band.
September 30, 2013 - The BW Alumni Brass Collective played a concert at the Strongsville Historical Society's Harvest Festival on Sunday, Sept. 29th from 2:30-3:30. Nice weather, the Browns AND Indians won...WOW!
Guarino's in Little Italy again hosted the Don Disantis band on Saturday, Sept. 28th from 6:30-9:30 on the patio. Great crowd, beautiful weather.
Case Western Reserve Medical School held a class reunion on Friday, Sept. 27 at the Silver Grille at the Ritz-Carlton in Cleveland. The Tom Fries Orchestra played dinner music and dance music. I picked this one up just this week. The band was Tom on drums, Frank Samson-keyboard/vocals, Joe Sasina-giutar/vocals, Brian Zupancic-tenor sax. Tom has done this gig for several years but it was my first time. Gave us a nice dinner too.
The Cleveland TOPS Swingband played a concert for residents of the Cedar Center Apartments in University Hts.on Tuesday, Sept. 24th from 3:30-4:30. We haven't been here since May, 2011. Nice folks... thanks to Barbara Rose for making it easy.
The Tom Fries Orchestra (sextet) again provided the accompaniment for the final Rat Pack Show in this area on Sunday, Sept. 29th from 5-7 p.m. at Parma High School auditorium. Another great show.
Saturday, Sept. 21st the BW Alumni Brass Collective played for a 70th wedding anniversary dinner at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Olmsted Falls. Less than a mile from my house...I love it!
The Las Vegas Rat Pack Revue tour began Thursday, Sept. 19th at 9:00 a.m with a rehearsal followed bvy lunch at noon and the show from 1:30-3:30 at the American-Croatian Lodge Hall in Eastlake. The Liza Minnelli actress was replaced by Denise Rose from Las Vegas doing a great Judy Garland along with Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis. The band was trumpet, sax, trombone, piano, bass, and drums. We'll do another on Sunday at Parma High School Auditorium.
Wed. Sept. 18 found me at DeLuca's Place in the Park (Lorain, Oh) for a gig with Doc McDonald's Big Band. Once a year, but the band always sounds good.
The Cleveland TOPS Swingband played a concert for residents of McGregor Home in East Cleveland on Tuesday, Sept. 17th. from 7-8 p.m.
Twelve gigs in 17 days continues (9/13 to 9/29) with the Strongsville City Jazz Big Band kicking off Arts in Strongsville's "A Day at the Chalet"on Sunday, Sept. 15th. The weather was beautiful as the band played upbeat music from 12:10 to about 1:00. A fun day.
The Don Disantis Band again entertained patio diners at Guarino's in Little Italy from 6:30-9:30 p.m. When the weather turns cold, Don & Dave will play in the dining room while George, Brian and I stay home.
Friday, Sept. 13 came and went without incident. The Don Disantis group made another appearance at Rounders Lounge in Mentor, a biker bar for sure, but they like our music.
The BW Alumni Brass Collective provided all the music for Columbia United Methodist Church's morning worship on Sunday, Aug. 25th. This has become an annual event on our calendar.
The Don Disantis Band appeared at Guarino's Restaurant in Little Italy on Saturday, Sept. 24th. We played on the back patio from 6:30-9:30. The band appears there twice a month throughout the summer months.
August 24, 2013 - Conneaut, Ohio holds an annual weekend event in August each year celebrating patriotism with a tribute to D-Day. The Don Disantis Orchestra's annual gig on Friday, August 16th kicked off a patriotic celebration complete with World War II aircraft, amphibious vehicles, and uniformed re-enactors recreating the D-Day landing. Beautiful evening, great view of Lake Erie. Looking forward to next year again.
The Cleveland TOPS Swingband entertained a group of residents and retired nuns at Marymount Senior Living (Garfield Hts) on Wednesday, Aug. 14 from 2:30 to 3:30. It's always nice to return to a beautiful and friendly venue.
Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013 - The Bobby Vinton Show is on tour this summer and made a stop at Parma Senior High School auditorium on Sunday Aug. 11.In the trumpet section along with me was Mike Fisher & Ian Indorf. Bobby put on a great show...90 minutes with no intermission. He not only sings great, he wrote all the arrangements and interacts with the audience, but he plays trumpet, alto sax, and clarinet during the "big band salute" segment of the show. His daughter sings backup and a couple of solos (giving Bobby a breather), his son plays bass and leads the band, and his brother plays drums. The auditorium seats 1400 and there were over 1200 people that came to see him. Some all the way from Bobby's home town of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Great fun.
The Don Disantis Band appeared at Guarino's Restaurant in Little Italy on Saturday, Aug. 10th. We played on the back patio from 6:30-9:30 but against the brick wall of the club just inside the patio entrance. A better sound? Maybe. There was a 50th anniversary party inside so the patio was packed. The band appears there twice a month throughout the summer months.
The New Orleans Party Center in Brecksville was the site of a 25th wedding anniversary surprise party on Friday, Aug. 9th. The Don Disantis band played and they even fed us. Very cool.
Falling Waters Health Care in Strongsville was the scene of the TOPS Swingband concert for residents on Wednesday, August 7th from 2:30-3:30. A resident there said he was photographer for the Al Serafini Band back in the 60s. Larry Patch & I were both in the Serafini band then. You never know who you are going to meet at these places.
Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013 - Last night the Strongsville City Jazz Big Band gave their annual concert at the Senior Center from 7:30-9 p.m. Over 250 attended and were treated to a variety of tunes from the big band era. Vocalist Kim Wasielewski sang A Foggy Day, All the Way, This Can't Be Love (Natalie Cole version), Girl From Ipanema, and Someone To Watch Over Me. The band offered Strike Up the Band, Trumpet Boogie, Cute (featuring Dave Harbart on drums), Ellington's Things Ain't What They Used To Be, Perdido, Children of Sanchez, the Les Brown theme song Leap Frog, Alexander's Ragtime Band, and the Doc Severinsen Tonight Show Band version of In The Mood. The band was really "cooking."
Don Disantis and the band (with Bob Gref joining us on sax) made their yearly appearance at the Willoughby Gazebo on thursday night August 1st from 7-9 p.m. Great crown, temps in the 70s (didn't need my box fan) and a fun night for everyone.
Cleveland Heights Community Center is a beautiful facility at the corner of Monticello and Mayfield Rds. The Cleveland TOPS Swingband gave a concert there on Wednesday, July 31st from 2-3 p.m. A very appreciative audience enjoyed the show and some even danced a few numbers. We'd like to return to this one.
The Strongsville Community Band appeared at the Hudson Bandstand on Sunday night July 28th with guest conductor Loras John Schissel conducting the second half of the concert. Loras chose a collection of marches by Ohio composer Henry Fillmore and imparted some wonderful stories about the man who grew up in a strict household of religious hymn composeers but elected to play the TROMBONE - the Devil's instrument (according to Henry's father).
I was scheduled to appear with the Don Disantis group at Guarino's in Little Italy on Saturday night July 27th on the outdoor patio but the threat of rain cancelled that one for me. Don and pianist Dave Day performed inside in the dining room.
Coe Lake Gazebo in Berea was the venue for a Berea Seniors Picnic, two weddings, and the Don Disantis annual outdoor concert on Friday night, July 26th. We got rained out last year but the weather was perfect this time.
Thursday, July 25th was a big day - the TOPS band played a one hour concert for the National Senior Games at the new Cleveland Convention Center downtown. Check out a sliide show of the event at www.topsswingband.com. That evening, whhile the TOPS band played a V.I.P. party at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I played a concert with Juliette Regnier at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. She reprised her eclectic show, Elsewhere, that we first performed last fall in Broadview Hts. Larry Patch did a great job fronting the TOPS band at the Rock Hall.
Sagamore Hills Township Park (actually in Northfield) is a new venue for me. The Strongsville City Jazz Big Band with guest vocalist Ron Davis playe a concert there on Sunday night July 21st from 6-8 p.m. Great weather, no RAIN. and a good crowd enjoyed music in the fresh air.
The Don Disantis Orchestra appeared at D'Agnese's in Akron on Saturday, July 20th from 7-10 for our monthly appearance. Always a fun night.
Harvard Community Center hosted the TOPS band for a noon concert on Wednesday, July 17th. We've been coming here for several years and they always enjoy our performance.
Saturday, July 6, 2013 - Strongsville Community Band's Friday night, July 5th concert on the Commons was moved to the Senior Center due to impending rain and windy conditions. The concert was a joint effort with the 122nd Army Band from Rickenbacker Army Base in Columbus, Ohio who are on tour. Great band, really enjoyed hearing them. Sell-out crowd, too.
RTA's Family Fun Fest again had John Petrone and the Little Sousa Band playing two hours of marches prior to the July 4th fireworks at Settlers Landing in the Cleveland Flats. Thank you to Don Day for putting a good band together and the rain held off, even though there was a nice big tent for protection from the elements this time.
Sunday, June 30th found the BW Alumni Brass Collective at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Olmsted Falls for the morning worship and picnic. This is an annual event for us as we also rehearse there. David Betts did some very nice hymn arrangements.
The Columbia Singers presented their 21st annual performance of the patriotic musical: LIBERTY, a musical celebraation of Freedom on Saturday night, June 29th at 6:00 p.m. Being that the Homecomming fireworks were also later that night, there were more people in the park that got to hear it this year. It went well and we will be doing it again next year.
Strongsville Community Band's Friday night, June 28th concert on the Commons was moved to the Methodist Church due to impending rain and windy conditions. Loras John Schissel again guest conducted. Selections performed included: Finale from Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4, Espana Cani, Selections from West Side Story with vocal renditions by Albert Donze, When the Saints Go Marching In, and several marches by Henry Fillmore. We closed with Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever.
Jennings Center for Older Adults in Garfield Hts. hosted the Cleveland TOPS Swingband for a lawn concert on thursday, June 27th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. We again closed with God Bless America and have decided to use it as our closer all summer.
Wednesday, June 26th, the Strongsville Community Band played a concert at Baldwin Wallace University for attendees of the summer Music Camp (formerly Music CLINIC). Loras John Schissel was guest conductor. the band sounded great in the old Kulas Hall's Gamble Auditorium.
North Olmsted Senior Center was the venue for the TOPS Band concert on tuesday, Hune 25th from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. We premiered our new arrangement of Irving Berlin's God Bless America to close out the concert. It was very well received.
The Strongsville City Jazz Big Band played a concert at the Hudson Bandstand on Sunday night, June 23rd from 7-8:30 p.m. There was a large and enthusiastic crowd on hand for the show. Ron Davis (Cleveland TOPS Swingband) was guest vocalist for the evening, and subs in the band included Doug Day (TOPS Band) on piano, his brother Don Day (TOPS) on bass, and Scott Mehalko on drums. For as hot and muggy as it was (almost 90), the band played well and was well received.
At Columbia United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 23rd it was Pastor David Ross' last Sunday as he is being reassigned to a church near Uniontown. We designated the day as "Cowboy Sunday" and encouraged congregation members to dress "western." And some did. The choir donned cowboy hats and performed Cowboys for Jesus by Don Woollet and the Flying W Wranglers, Carl Perkins' Daddy Sang Bass and we added Anie and Adam Wead on guitars. I accompanied Marcia on the Randy Travis song Here's Hopin' hoping to send Pastor Dave off on a happy note. His sermon was, appropiately, SADDLE UP! We wish him all the best. A western-style BBQ pot luck (you know those Methodists) followed and quite a few stayed on.
The Cleveland TOPS Swingband played a concert for the residents of Woodside Village in 
Bedford on Thursday, June 20th from 2-3 p.m. A lady in the back of the room wanted us to lower the volume, but another one RIGHT IN FRONT of the band wanted the volume left as is. It must be a difference in hearing aid devices. Larry Patch handled the situation with aplomb. The photo on the right is my view of the audience from the trumpet section.
Wesleyan Meadows, a senior living facility in Sheffield Village hosted a party for prospective residents tha included a picnic supper, tour of the facility, and a concert by the Cleveland TOPS Swingband for a very enthusiastic audience. This all happened on Monday, June 17th from 6-7:30 p.m. We were there in early February and are pleased to have been asked back.
The Don Disantis Band made its first appearance of the summer (with all five members on board) at Guarino's Restaurant in Little Italy. We played on the back patio (photo on left) from 6:30-9:30. The band will appear there twice a month throughout the summer months.
Friday, June 14th began the Strongsville Community Band's 23rd Summer Concert Season. Director Ken Mehalko said they printed 300 programs and RAN OUT. Music played was dedicated to Flag Day.
The Cleveland TOPS Swingband returned to the A.M. McGregor Home on Tuesday, June 11th for a concert from 7-8 p.m.
The BW Alumni Brass Collective was honored to be asked to provide support in worship at the 9:25 service at Strongsville United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 9th. This was Rev. Ron Mowry's last Sunday to preach as he is retiring after 17 years at SUMC and 41 total years in the ministry. Our Prelude was The Rejoicing, from The Royal Fireworks Suite by Handel, and the Postlude was the Canadian Brass version of Amazing Grace. We also accompanied the choir on the offerttory: Natalie Sleeth's Joy In The Morning, as well as both hymns. It was nice to see so many of my Strongsville friends. Good Luck Rev. Ron!
Saturday, June 8th was the Don Disantis Band's monthly appearance at D'Agnese's in Akron. Alan Gleghorn again joined us on bass while Dave Day is at a family wedding.
Rounders Lounge, a new venue for the Don Disantis Band in Mentor, turned out to be a "biker bar." We were there Friday, June 7th from 6-9 p.m. 
The photo is the outdoor patio, we played inside. At the beginning we felt a bit out of our element (at least we weren't wearing tuxedos) until we discovered their juke box was loaded with Sinatra, Dean Martin, and hits from the big band era. Some even danced to our music (after the happy hour bikers left to find cheaper beer). And, we've been asked back. Nice job on bass Brian Dorr.
The Don Disantis Band entertained the residents of Independence Village Senior Living in Avon Lake with a 75 minute show on Thursday, June 6th from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. The audience was very enthusiastic and when we ended with God Bless America in a tribute to veterans, there was many a tear shed for those who served and survived, those we lost, and those who so bravely make this the greatest country in the free world. Thank you to Alan Gleghorn for filling in on bass. Great job, Alan.
My band, JW & Company, again provided background jazz and show tunes for the Strongsville Senior Art Show held at the Ehrnfelt Senior Center Friday, May 31st. This annual event showcases senior artwork in various media by senior art class students and teachers. Attendance was very good despite the heavy rains that moved through the area. Better in than out on a night like this.
The Cleveland TOPS Swingband entertained the residents of Fairfax Place Senior Living on Tuesday, May 28th from 2-3 p.m. Thank you to Dave Sterner and Frank Cosenza for filling in. Great job.
Faith United Church in Richmond Heights hosted the Cleveland TOPS Swingband playing for a seniors dance held at the retirement facility across the street. The time was 6-8 p.m on Wednesday, May 22nd. The venue was a bit small but we managed to keep things under control.
Tuesday, May 21st the Cleveland TOPS Swingband played a concert for seniors arriving at Public Hall for the annual Senior Day sponsored by the City of Cleveland. The show was 10-11 a.m. with some people even dancing to our music. It was nice to have sound, lighting, and music stands provided by the city along with technicians to run lights and sound. We've played this event several years in a row and hope to be back next year.
The Strongsville Community Band performed their Spring Concert on Sunday, May 19th to a large, enthusiastic audience at the Ehrnfelt Senior Center. Selections included the Tschaikovsky Finale (4th Mvt.) from Symphony No. 4, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Selections from "Miss Saigon," Espana Cani, Selections from "Showboat," My Kind of Towns, and a Sousa March: "Riders of the Flag." Director Ken Mehalko certainly chose a challenging program but the band was up to the task. If you weren't there, you missed a good one. The outdoor summer concert season begins on Friday, June 14th at 7:30 p.m. The Gazebo on the Commons is the venue (corner of Rt. 42 & Rt. 82). Bring a lawn chair.
Saturday, May 18, 2013 -