Hello,

Since I don't do Facebook or Twitter yet, 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 went online in 2011 and is written in "blog" style. There are pages for 2011 thru 2017. Each year ends at the TOP, so start at the bottom (or where you left off) and work your way up. This is the current page. Click on the Appearances link at the top to see where I will be playing.

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2018 -

My final gig of 2018 was again at the Union Club of Cleveland on Friday, Dec. 28th. 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. Then a "All-Occasion Band" takes over and plays for dancing from 9-midnight. I enjoy being home by 9:00 on a Friday night.

The BW Alumni Brass Collective played a service of lessons and carols at Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Lakewood on Sunday, Dec. 23. This is where our French Horn player, Linda Gardner, is the organist.

Friday, Dec. 14 Strongsville United Church of Christ hosted a Christmas Jazz Concert by the Strongsville City Jazz Big Band. "A Swingin' Christmas" has becone an annual event here.

The Cleveland TOPS Swingband played a concert for the residents of McGregor Home in Cleveland Heights on Tuesday, December 11th. TOPS originated here in 2005.

Saturday, Nov. 24th my Little Big Band made its second appearance at Bar 107 in Berea. I love gigs that are so close to home. It was a fun night and the band sounded geat.

The Strongsville Community Band played a split concert at Baldwin Wallace University on Friday, Nov. 9th in Gamble Auditorium. It's always nice to return to BW where I spent four years honing my skills.

Sunday, Oct. 21st the Strongsville City Jazz Big Band played a bemefit concert at Bethel Lutheran Church in Middleburg Hts. The funds are used for scholarships to the Early Childhood Education Program targeting special needs children. Cindy Smith and Ron Davis joined us again for this annual concert.

The Brothers Lounge in Cleveland booked The Brothers Lounge in Cleveland booked my Little Big Band for the second time on Sunday, October 14th from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. The band sounds great in there and Nadia and Chris (co-owner) finally made an appearance to hear us. Again a small crowd but more than the first time. Cindy Smith came directly from her last performance as Mrs. Lovett in Brecksville Theater's production of Sweeney Todd and was in fine voice. Thanks to Don Kubec, Norm Turza, Karl Dustman, Glenn Toy, Tim & Betz, Marty & Jayne Cool and all those who stopped by to support live music. We'll be back.

The Cleveland TOPS Swingband played a concert for the residents of Crestmont North in Lakewood from 2-3 p.m. on Thursday, October 11th. It has been five years since we have played at this facility.

Tuesday, September 18th found the Cleveland TOPS Swingband at Franklin Plaza Senior Living in Cleveland, another facility we never played. They enjoyed hearing the band from 2-3 p.m. and gave us home made cookies. Ummmm.

Arts in Strongsville Foundation's annual Day at the Chalet had the Strongsville City Jazz Big Band kick off their annual event on a beautiful sunny day on Sunday, September 16th from Noon-12:45. As soon as it ended, several of us hurried to Brooklyn Hts. so my Little Big Band could play a one hour show for the employees of Dedicated Transport LLC from 2-3 p.m. Thanks to Dave Hartman, DT's Director of Safety, for hiring us. Dave even sat in and played trombone on a couple of tunes. Cindy Smith was out of town so Kim Wasielewski filled in and was excellent.

Brecksville Senior Center hosted a two hour TOPS concert on Wednesday, Sept.12th from 6-8 p.m. this is another impressive facility, and thanks to Steve Paciorek for bringing us in to perform for the seniors.

The BW Alumni Brass Collective provided all the music for morning worship at Columbia United Methodist Church in Columbia Station on Sunday, August 26th. Everyone looks forward to our annual visits.

Thursday, August 23rd found the TOPS band at the Lutheran Home at Concord Reserve in Westlake. This place just keeps on growing and growing. It's one of the most beautiful senior facilities we have visited. It was a resident's birthday (she was in hospice) and wanted to hear live big band music. We were honored to play for her and, of course, began by singing Happy Birthday.

The Cleveland TOPS Swingband played a concert for residents of University Manor, a Manor Care facility in Cleveland near Murray Hill on Tuesday, August 21st from 2:30-3:30. This was our first visit to this facility as it sits up on the hill above University Circle.

Sunday, August 12th the Strongsville City Jazz Big Band traveled to the Hudson Bandstand for a 6:00 p.m. concert. AGAIN, the weather drove us to the high school. Thanks to Don Kubec for filling in on the Jazz Tenor Sax part. Great solos Don.

Friday, August 10th the Strongsville City Jazz Big Band played their annual summer concert in the senior center. The band played very well and the audience really loved the big band sound.

Harvard Community Center invited the Cleveland TOPS Swingband back to entertain local seniors during their lunch hour on Tuesday, July 31st. As they always do, kids attending daycamp came in to hear the band.

Sunday, July 29th I went to the Hudson Bandstand again, this time with the Strongsville Community Band. I was dissapointed with the size of the audience this time. Are they tired of hearing us?

Jennings Center for Older Adults in Garfield Hts. was the venue for the annual TOPS concert from 6:30-7:30 on Thursday, July 26th. Rain again forced us indoors. They have a very nice, well lit multi-purpose room where the band sounds great and the audience can really "get into it."

Hudson Bandstand was scheduled to host the Cleveland TOPS Swingband on Sunday, July 22nd for a 7:00 p.m concert but the weather drove us to Hudson High School. We prefer playing indoors but realize the appeal of outdoor concerts in the summer months.

Thursday, July 19 the Cleveland TOPS Swingband played a concert for residents of Cardinal Village Senior Living in Cuyahoga Falls from 1:30-2:20 p.m. They always appreciate our visit.

The Cleveland TOPS Swingband traveled to Harpersfield, Ohio (south of Geneva) on Sunday, July 15th for an appearance at Slovenska Pristava (Slovenian Village) recreational facility to entertain guests of St. Vitus (Cleveland) Catholic Church's 125th Anniversary Family Picnic. The band was very well recieved and played two one-hour sets alternating with Jeff Pecon's polka band with Joey Miskulin. With temps in the 90s, we were very glad to be in a picnic pavillion with some breeze blowing through.

Friday, July 13th, the Strongsville Community Band gave another program in their Summer Concert Series. The theme was "Let's Go To Disney" presented at the Ehrnfelt Senior Center. A full(er) house brought out extra chairs and 400 printed programs were, again, not enough. For some reason, the band sounded different to me. Perhaps it was the repositioning of the upper woodwinds in a seating adjustment by director Ken Mehalko but I could hear all the sections more distinctly. Maybe just me.

The Cleveland TOPS Swingband was the opening act at the Broadview Heights Home Days celebration on Thursday, July 12th. We played two sets from 6-8 p.m. I don't mind playing outside as long as there is a tent or pavillion for shelter. They had a nice large one, and a raised platform stage with enough room for the band to spread out. Thanks to Dan Maier for sitting in on piano while Doug Day was away.

Sunday, July 8th, the BW Alumni Brass Collective joined the organist at Christ United Church (formerly St. Andrews Presbyterian) in Olmsted Falls for the morning worship service. Only two miles from home on this one. Sweet. I was surprised when Diana Scudder came up to say hello. My daughter took dancing classes with her back in the 1980s. It was also good to see Judy Davis there. She and the BW Women's Committee sponsored my Baldwin Wallace Alumni Jazz Orchestra concerts from 1984-2009.

Strongsville Historical Village was the site of the Strongsville Community Band concert on Friday, July 6th. The theme was American Composers so, of course, classics by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and John Phillip Sousa were included.

The BW Alumni Brass Collective (quintet) played for the morning worship service at Lakewood's Episcopal Church of the Ascension on Sunday, July 1st. Joining me were Peter Hoekje on trumpet, Linda Gardner on french horn, David Betts on trombone and euphonium, and Randy Border on tuba. David wrote wonderful hymn arrangements for the occasion.

Friday, June 29th, the Strongsville Community Band presented a baseball-themed concert titled "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Cleveland Indians mascot, Slider even showed up to delight the baseball-attired crowd with his antics. He even conducted the band during the Stars and Stripes Forever.

Berea-Midpark High School was the site of a Kiwanis Division 24 Fundraiser Concert by the Cleveland TOPS Swingband. The date was Thursday, June 21st from 7-9 p.m. The audience was very appreciative and the band sounded great. Nice to be only four miles from home.

Saturday, June 16th was a big night for Bar 107 in Berea. My Little Big Band played there for the first time and the crowd was huge. Unfortunately, vocalist Cindy Smith lost her voice and was unable to perform (for the first time ever). But David Kay and Dick Ingersoll saved the night. Dick played Tenor Sax on some of the songs so David could play the vocal part. The band did a great job of adapting to the situation and the audience responded by applaiuding for solos as well. We'll be back.

The Strongsville Community Band began its 29th Season of Summer Concerts with "Meet the Band." This concert showcased different sections of the band including the trumpet section playing Bugler's Holiday, the trombone section with Lassus Trombone, and the clarinet section with Clarinet Candy.

Marymount Village Senior Living hosted the Cleveland TOPS Swingband for a concert on Thursday, June 14th from 2:30-3;30. This has become one of the band's regular venues.

My Little Big Band made its first appearance at Brothers Lounge in Cleveland on Sunday night, June 3rd. We played two sets from 7:30-10 p.m. I'm pleased to report management liked us and invited us back. The Count Basie Orchestra was at Nighttown and the Cavs were playing a finals game so we had a small but appreciative crowd.

Friday, June 1st, my Jazz Quintet (JW & Company) played for the Strongsville Senior Art Show Preview Night at the Ehrnfelt Senior Center. The band included Bob Gref on sax & clarinet, Doug Day on piano, Don Day on bass, and George Kiteley on drums.

Public Hall in downtown Cleveland was the site of the Cleveland TOPS Swingband annual appearance at the City of Cleveland Senior Day on Thursday, May 24th. Residents are bussed in from throughout the city negihborhoods for a day of music, health fairs, information, and a box lunch. We kicked off the day with a one-hour set at 10:00 a.m. This is one of the more unusual gigs...a concert in the morning and home by noon.

Sunday, May 20th the Strongsville Community Band played their Spring Concert to a packed house at the Ehrnfelt Senior/Event Center.

The Cleveland TOPS Swingband joined the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Middle School Jazz Ensemble for an Intergenerational Concert on Thursday, May 17th. The kids did a nice job on their selections.

The month of May was much more interesting. Wednesday, May 16th my Little Big Band played a concert for members of ILR (Institute For Learning in Retirement) held at Baldwin Wallace University's Strosacker Hall. The band sounded great and we have been invited back.

For some reason, April was also a slow month. The only performance was with the Strongsville City Jazz Big Band at the Strongsville Jazz Fest held at the new Middle School on Sunday the 29th.

A rather uneventful (musically) March ended with the Columbia United Methodist Church presentation of Joseph Martin's Good Friday Cantata "Song of the Shadows."

Sunday, March 4th found my Little Big Band at Strongsville United Church of Christ for its second appearance at the church's Concert Series. The program began at 3:00 and was followed by a wine and cheese reception. Check out a video sample from last year's program on the LBB page.

The Strongsville Community Band gave their Winter Concert on Sunday, Feb. 25th at 3:00 p.m. in the Ehrnfelt Senior Center. The program included Festive Overture by Dimitri Shostakovich, Slava by Leonard Bernstein, Two English Dances by Malcom Arnold, selections from the Disney film Moana, Loch Lomond, The River of Life, the Padstow Lifeboats March, vocalist Cindy Smith sang George & Ira Gershwin's They Can't Take That Away From Meand Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever concluded the program.

Thursday, Feb. 22 - the Cleveland TOPS Swingband played a concert for residents of Eliza Bryant Village in Cleveland from 2:30-3:30 p.m. A small but appreciative audience enjoyed our presentation.

Cleveland State University was the site of the Northeast Ohio Community Band Festival on Sunday, Feb. 18th. Participating groups were Strongsville, University Heights, and the Lakeland Civic Band (Mentor). I had forgotten how "live" the acoustics were in that concert hall.

We did another Little Big Band rehearsal on Sunday, Feb. 11th. This began a very busy week...I put together a Dixieland Band for a "Fat Tuesday" concert (Feb. 13) at the Ehrnfelt Senior Center in Strongsville. Ken Mehalko was to play clarinet but developed a 24-hour stomach virus. He called me at 8:30 the morning of the 13th and was able to get Jim Bair to sub for him. The rest of the band was Jim Adams, trombone; Art Mason, banjo; Doug Day, piano; Don Day, bass guitar; and George Kiteley, drums. The next day, the Cleveland TOPS Swingband played a TWO-HOUR concert & dance at Hamlet Hills Village in Chagrin Falls. We haven't been there since 2014. It was good to see original TOPS sax player Buddy Sullivan and his wife, Ann who now live there.

On Sunday, Jan. 28th I was able to work in a Little Big Band rehearsal. We will be playing at Strongsville United Church of Christ on Sunday, March 4th at 3:00. This is where we made our debut last year. I followed that up with two rehearsals: Strongsville Community Band on Tuesday, Feb. 6th and the Cleveland TOPS Swingband on Wednesday, Feb, 7th. I am almost back at tip-top form.

My first performance of 2018 was with the Cleveland TOPS Swingband on Wednesday, January 24th from 2-3 p.m. A hospice patient at Villa St. Joseph in Garfield Hts. requested live big band music and we were pleased to be chosen for the event. I had caught a cold around Dec. 20th and it became a sinus infection by January 1st so I went almost a month without playing trumpet. I even had to cancel the brass at church on Christmas Eve. A FIRST. I had gone to the Strongsville Community Band rehearsal on January 16th to try to get back in shape but ended up not playing much since my endurance was way down. I also cancelled a TOPS rehearsal.

Check back soon for more updates. Thanks for visiting my site.

Jim