Gainesville Big Band Presents:
Jazz 101 - Why Does Jazz Swing?
SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES | 2pm
at
Meizon Church
3411 NW 83 St
Gainesville, FL 32606
Sunday, April 13, 2025 | 2p
Jazz 101
What makes jazz swing?
This special Jazz 101 Concert is designed to introduce the magic of jazz to children, families, and anyone new to the genre. In addition to a lively performance, the Gainesville Big Band will take the audience through an engaging exploration of swing music—one of jazz's most iconic styles. You’ll learn about the unique qualities of swing, including its rhythmic drive, infectious groove, and improvisational elements, all while enjoying some great tunes.
Whether you're a seasoned jazz lover or just discovering the genre, this concert promises to inspire and entertain. Bring your friends, family, and anyone eager to learn about jazz in a fun and interactive setting.
The Gainesville Big Band assembles some of the best professional jazz musicians spanning the southeast. Under the direction of Marco Thomas, the GBB delivers a rich, full sound-- from Basie to Ellington, Gershwin to Miller, Porter to Mercer, Vegas to Broadway hits, and today's modern jazz and pop. Since 2007, the band has brought big band jazz to Gainesville and the surrounding areas. Featuring 18 accomplished musicians, the Gainesville Big Band have a deep passion for jazz and a commitment to presenting quality performances, inspiring the next generation of jazz musicians, and promoting a culture of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the arts. Sponsorship Info.
Gainesville Big Band Musicians
Saxophones:
Alto 1 - Austin Caico
Alto 2 - Evan Roseman
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 - Rick Hajduk
Vocalist: Timothy Trail
Trombones:
Trombone 1 - Ethan Spencer
Trombone 2 - Mark Johnson
Trombone 3 - Michael Murphy
Bass Trombone - Marco Thomas
Rhythm Section:
Guitar - Darren Burgess
Piano - Pamelli Marafon
Bass - Wes Smith
Drums - Jon Jackson
DIRECTOR
Marco Thomas is from Ellenwood, GA which a suburb of Atlanta. He is a bass trombone player that studied music education at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL. His principal teacher there was Brian Brink. Thomas earned his Bachelors of Music Education in 1999 and began teaching middle school band in Hardee County in January of 2000. He then entered the University of Florida in the summer of 2002 where he earned his Masters of Music Performance in trombone. His principal teacher there was Arthur Jennings. After graduation, he took a position at Hawthorne Middle/High School as Director of Bands. He was at Hawthorne from 2004-2007. He began his current position as the music teacher at Williams Elementary in Gainesville during the 2007-2008 school year.
MISSION
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.
Upcoming Season Finale Concert:
Sunday, June 8, 2025 | 2p
Women in Jazz
GAINESVILLE BIG BAND CONNECTIONS
Visit Gainesville / Alachua County, Hoggtowne Music,
VyStar Credit Union and The Collier Companies.
Sponsored in part by
Visit Gainesville Alachua County
Visit Gainesville Alachua County
#JazzBluesFlorida #GainesvilleFL #GainesvilleLive #LiveMusicFlorida #FloridaMusicScene #JazzInGainesville #LiveJazzFlorida #GainesvilleEvents #GainesvilleBigBand #MarcoThomas #LiveMusic #CommunityConcert #SundayFunday #BigBandJazz #AirConditionedConcert #MusicLovers
~ ~ ~ ~
Distributed by:
JazzBluesFlorida.com
(561) 313-7432 WhatsApp Text Only Please
(561) 313-7432 WhatsApp Text Only Please
#JazzBluesFlorida #Jazz #Blues #Clubs #Concerts #Festivals
Making the scene since 2006!
Making the scene since 2006!
