The Gainesville Big Band continues its 2026–2027 concert season with A Big Band Christmas, bringing classic big band jazz and holiday favorites to Meizon Church in Gainesville for two performances on December 4 and 6, 2026.
Under the direction of Marco Thomas, the 18-piece ensemble brings together saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a full rhythm section for a seasonal program featuring the sounds of traditional swing, jazz standards, and familiar holiday music. The concert combines the musical traditions of the big band era with the melodies and spirit of the holiday season.
Performing in North Central Florida since 2007, the Gainesville Big Band continues its tradition of presenting live jazz concerts for area audiences. With a Friday evening performance and a Sunday afternoon matinee, A Big Band Christmas offers two opportunities to enjoy the full sound of a live big band during the December holiday season.
Gainesville, FL 32606
Valentine's Day Concert
Jazz 101
Summer Concert
Friday performances begin at 7:00 p.m. Sunday performances begin at 2:00 p.m.
Saxophones:
Alto 1 – Ryan Gamberino
Alto 2 – Joanna Adhami
Tenor 1 – John Gregory
Tenor 2 – Brian Johnson
Baritone Saxophone – Joe Davis
Trumpets:
Trumpet 1 – Rick Marion
Trumpet 2 – Ryan Hall
Trumpet 3 – Vito Montauk
Trumpet 4 – Adrienne Widener
Trombones:
Trombone 1 – Ethan Spencer
Trombone 2 – Michael Murphy
Trombone 3 – Jayven Cromwell
Bass Trombone – Marco Thomas
Rhythm Section:
Guitar – Darren Burgess
Piano – Pamelli Marafon
Bass – Chad Young
Drums – Jon Jackson
Vocalist:
Timothy Trail
Marco Thomas is a bass trombonist and music educator originally from Ellenwood, Georgia, near Atlanta. He studied music education at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, where his principal teacher was Brian Brink. Thomas earned his Bachelor of Music Education in 1999 and began teaching middle school band in Hardee County in January 2000.
He entered the University of Florida in the summer of 2002, earning a master's degree in trombone performance while studying with Arthur Jennings. Following graduation, he served as Director of Bands at Hawthorne Middle/High School from 2004 through 2007.
Thomas joined Williams Elementary School in Gainesville as a music teacher during the 2007–2008 school year. He has directed the Gainesville Big Band since 2007 and remains active as a trombone performer and educator in the Gainesville area.
The Gainesville Big Band is an 18-piece jazz ensemble based in North Central Florida. Since 2007, the group has presented big band performances in Gainesville and surrounding communities.
Under the direction of Marco Thomas, the ensemble performs music spanning traditional swing, jazz standards, American popular songs, Broadway selections, and contemporary big band arrangements. Its repertoire includes works associated with Count Basie, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Glenn Miller, Cole Porter, and other composers and bandleaders.
The group's concert programming supports its commitment to preserving big band jazz, music education, and community access to live jazz performances.
The mission of the Gainesville Big Band, Inc. is to promote an awareness of the educational, spiritual, and civic benefits of jazz through traditional and modern repertoire.
(352) 519-0839
Gainesville Big Band sponsors and supporters include Meizon Church, Visit Gainesville / Alachua County, Hoggtowne Music, Renaissance Printing, and community supporters Rosella Smith, Roger Reep, Wesley Eubanks, Jon Reiskind, Kelly Harris, Jack Siegel, and Jim Heiser.
Information about supporting Gainesville Big Band programs is available on the organization's sponsorship and donation page.
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