Gainesville Big Band
Presents the Music of Larger-Than-Life
Tony Bennett
SUNDAY • APRIL 12, 2026 • 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Jazz 101:
Tribute to Legend Tony Bennett
at
Meizon Church
Gainesville, FL
3411 NW 83rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606
$15 + fees (advance online)
$20 + fees at the door (credit card)
No fees for cash at the door
Tony Bennett (1926–2023) was a leading interpreter of jazz standards whose career spanned more than seven decades. Known for his warm tone, phrasing, and respect for melody, he built a repertoire drawn from the Great American Songbook and worked closely with top jazz musicians throughout his life. His recordings and performances reflected a commitment to traditional vocal jazz, with influences rooted in artists like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, while also collaborating with generations of younger performers. Bennett remained an active presence well into his later years, helping sustain interest in classic jazz vocal tradition for new audiences.
Join us for a tribute to Tony Bennett, featuring timeless classics and performances that recognize his contributions to jazz music. On Sunday, April 12, 2026 audiences are invited to an afternoon program highlighting this enduring repertoire, presented by the GBB with a special guest appearance by the Williston High School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Joe Davis.The performance brings together experienced and emerging musicians, reflecting the ongoing connection between generations through jazz.
The concert will take place at Meizon Church, 3411 NW 83rd St, beginning at 2:00 pm. This program offers an opportunity to hear familiar songs performed live while acknowledging the lasting influence of one of jazz’s most respected vocal interpreters.
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Gainesville Big Band Musicians
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
Vocalist: Timothy Trail
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
Director
Marco Thomas is from Ellenwood, GA, a suburb of Atlanta. He is a bass trombone player who studied music education at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL. His principal teacher there 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 then entered the University of Florida in the summer of 2002, where he earned his
Master of Music in trombone performance. His principal teacher there was Arthur Jennings. After graduation, he took a position at Hawthorne Middle/High School as Director of Bands (2004–2007). He began his current position as the music teacher at Williams Elementary in Gainesville during the 2007–2008 school year.
ABOUT Gainesville Big Band
The Gainesville Big Band is an 18-piece jazz ensemble based in North Central Florida, dedicated to preserving and presenting the big band tradition while engaging today’s audiences with fresh, themed programming. Since its founding in 2007, the ensemble has brought together experienced musicians from across the region to perform music ranging from classic swing and jazz standards to contemporary big band works.
Under the direction of Marco Thomas, the Gainesville Big Band presents concerts that spotlight key styles, composers, and cultural movements within jazz history. The ensemble places emphasis on musical excellence, education, and community engagement, offering performances that are accessible, informative, and musically rewarding.
Through regular concert series and special programs, the Gainesville Big Band continues to strengthen the cultural life of the Gainesville area while honoring the lasting legacy of American jazz.
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.
GAINESVILLE BIG BAND CONNECTIONS
Sponsorships include Meizon Church, Visit Gainesville / Alachua County, Hoggtowne Music, Renaissance Printing and the following community individuals: Rosella Smith, Roger Reep, Wesley Eubanks, Jon Reiskind, Kelly Harris, Jack Siegel, and Jim Heiser. To join these community cultural leaders as sponsors, click
HERE for more information.
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Making the scene since 2006!
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