As we head into the Labor Day weekend and into the last days of summer, the Joey Thomas Big Band wishes you a safe holiday weekend!
 
Be sure to check out the live music around you ... especially if you are in New York's Capital Region or the Berkshires just east, take advantage of Tanglewood where the Count Basie Orchestra will be playing on Sunday afternoon!
 
We're updating the JTBB Event Calendar ... dates are being added. Be sure to come back soon and check out the details ... or better yet, sign up to receive JTBB performance information directly into your Inbox! 

The Broadalbin Hotel, has invited the Joey Thomas Big Band with Bob Father back to Broadalbin for another summer dance party. It’s sure to be a swinging August afternoon with music from the 40’s through the 70’s ... We hope to see you there!
 
Sunday, August 29th
Broadalbin Hotel
59 West Main St, Broadalbin, NY
 
2PM     Ballroom Dance Lessons
           led by Verlene & Steve Tierney
            (for those who are hesitant, here's your chance)
  
3PM     Joey Thomas Big Band
 
Recalling the days of the Grand Hotel Era in the Adirondacks, the event will take place outdoors on the lawn behind the Hotel where amenities will include a dance floor and a tented clam bake with other food items for purchase. Beer, wine, and other beverages will also be available.
 
This is a casual summer community event full of music, dancing, and fun. No formal attire is necessary. Bring your appetite, dancing shoes and be ready to enjoy a little taste of the past with the pleasures of today at a local establishment with a lot of history.

SUNDAY - August 29th at 2PM

The Joey Thomas Big Band is looking forward to returning to the Broadalbin Hotel for a fun-filled summer afternoon of swing dancing, great music and food!
 
Mark Your Calendars and We'll See You There ...
 
In the meantime, keep swingin!

We cordially invite you to attend the 1st Annual Evening of Dancefeaturing The Joey Thomas Big Band to benefit the Joan Nicole Prince Home.
 
Event Details:  
Date: Thursday, August 12th
Time: 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Glen Sanders Mansion, Scotia NY
 
The event features the Joey Thomas Big Band, Dancing, Hor's doeuvres, Buffet Stations, a Dessert Station, and Cash Bar. Tickets are $50.00 per person Reservations may be made by calling (518) 346-5471. 
 
The JNP home is a comfort care home in Scotia, NY providing free care to the terminally ill who have the most need and the least options in the last months of life. 
 
We hope you'll join us in supporting this worthy organization.
 

The Joey Thomas Big Band returns to the Town of Frankfort in central New York as part of its wonderful summer concert series. Come one and all to hear the great sounds of the Big Band with vocalist Mia Scirocco!
 
The Town of Frankfort Concerts are free of charge, open to the public, and are held under a big tent, rain or shine on the St. Francis Society property on 8th Avenue & Palmer.


The evening begins about 5:30 PM with a senior buffet for Mohawk Valley residents.

For more information on the dinner and JTBB concert, please contact the Frankfort Town Hall at (315) 894-8737.

Looks like Saturday's going to be a gorgeous day ... that means a great day to hear the Joey Thomas Big Band at the Broadalbin Hotel.
 
Good food, good music, and a dance floor!  What more could you ask for on a summer afternoon?
 
Be sure to set your GPS to the Broadalbin Hotel at:
 
59 West Main St
Broadalbin, NY 12025
 
See you there!
 
JT
 
P.S.  The Joey Thomas Big Band goes on at 4PM!
 

What a great place and super audience tonight at Scotia's Freedom Park.  A wonderful turnout! Thank you Freedom Park.
 
And an additional thank you goes to Dr. Jeffrey Backer and the Scotia-Glenville Dental Center for helping the folks at Freedom Park make the summer concert series possible. Scotia's got something special with Freedom Park!
 
A round of applause for all!
 
NEXT UP:
Joey Thomas Big Band Plays Broadalbin Hotel
Saturday, July 31st  3:00 PM ....
Clambake and Summer Dance
Bring your appetite and dancing shoes!
For more info, call the Broadalbin Hotel at (518) 883-5414
 
Until then, keep swinging!
 
JT

Need an invitation?  Here it is:  
 
The Joey Thomas Big Band invites you to another swingin’ summer show with vocalist Bob Father featuring Sinatra tunes and classic big band charts to favorites of today.
 
We'll see you there ... 7:00 PM at Freedom Park in Scotia, NY.
 
www.freedomparkscotia.org/
 
Enjoy a relaxing and fun evening at Freedom Park sponsored by Scotia-Glennville Dental Center. A Joey Thomas Big Band performance to certainly make you smile and leaving with a little more joy in your heart!
 
UP NEXT:
Broadalbin Hotel
Saturday, July 31st  3:00 PM ...
Clambake and Summer Dance
Bring your appetite and dancing shoes!
For more info, call the Broadalbin Hotel at (518) 883-5414
 
Keep Swingin!
 

What a gracious and wonderful crowd tonight at the Guilderland Performing Arts Center.
 
It was great to see people dancing and enjoying themselves ... especially the little people!
 
The Joey Thomas Big Band thanks the people and town of Guilderland for making its summer concert series an opportunity to share big band music!
 
UP NEXT:
 
Freedom Park in Scotia
Wednesday, July 28th at 7:00 PM 
Bob Father once again joins The Joey Thomas Big Band on the Dennis Madden Stage!
 
Broadalbin Hotel
Saturday, July 31st  3:00 PM ...
Clambake and Summer Dance
Bring your appetite and dancing shoes!
For more info, call the Broadalbin Hotel at (518) 883-5414
 
Keep Swingin!

We hope you’ll join the Joey Thomas Big Band on Thursday, July 22nd at 7:30 PM at the Guilderland Performing Arts Center in Tawasentha Park! Come rain or shine ... if it looks like rain, you can call (518) 456-3150.
 
Joey and The Band are thrilled to be welcoming back vocalist Mia Scirocco in a tribute to Harry James. You might remember Mia from the JTBB’s World War II “Big Band Treasures” show. Stunning .... just stunning!
 
Harry James, of course, was not just an instrumentalist of the swing era, but a bandleader in his own right. He left the Benny Goodman band near the end of 1938 to form his own orchestra in Philadelphia and became one of the most popular bandleaders of the early 1940’s.  Mia will be singing a tune that was introduced by Harry James with Helen Forrest in the film Springtime in the Rockies. This song, “I had the Craziest Dream,” became Helen Forrest’s number one-hit single! Mia will also be featured on “It’s Been a Long, Long Time,” “Diane Schuur’s hit “I Just Found Out About Love,” and Natalie Cole’s “I Like Love. Just wait till you hear Mia sing these!
 
Prepare yourselves ... because the JTBB Trumpet Section will be taken to task with James’ “Trumpet Blues and Cantabile.” They’ll be needing a rest after this one!  But no rest for the weary ... they’ll be back in a special arrangement of Stan Kenton’s “Malaguena!”
 
And, of course, how can we not share the big band classics such as “In the Mood” and “Mr. Sandman?”
 
So, get out your lawn chairs and blankets and come join the Joey Thomas Big Band in a great night of big band music!
 
See you there! And until then ..... Keep Swingin'
 
 

The "Swing Into Spring Dinner Dance" benefit for the Saratoga Senior Center originally scheduled for Saturday, May 8th at the Wilton Elks Lodge is being postponed.
 
As soon as more information is available, it will be posted here.
 
We apologize for any inconvenience, but hope to see you at another Joey Thomas Big Band event!
 
Stay tuned!
 
# # #

Joey Thomas Big Band Joins in Garry Stevens Tribute 
as part of Jazz Appreciation Month Celebration
 
On Sunday, April 25th at the Colonie Elks Lodge, the Joey Thomas Big Band joins area musicians in a celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month. With guest vocalist Ray Lamere, the Joey Thomas Big Band (JTBB) will be paying a musical tribute to Garry Stevens, a long-time resident of the Capital Region who toured with famous big bands in the 1940’s. This JTBB performance is scheduled to begin at 6:15 PM and recreates several of Stevens' most popular recordings with the Charlie Spivak and Tex Beneke bands.
 
This musical tribute is part of the Albany Musicians’ Association’s Sixth Annual Jazz Gala which honors Georgia Urban and Garry Stevens. The free event begins at 2:00 PM and is open to the public. The event is co-sponsored with the Swingtime Jazz Society and A Place for Jazz. For the complete musical line-up and schedule, please visit www.AlbanyMusiciansUnion.com 


Jazz Appreciation Month, or JAM, is intended to draw public attention to the glories of jazz as both an historical and a living treasure. Neil Brown, President of the Albany Musicians’ Association, comments that the Jazz Gala presents “an exceptional line-up of local jazz instrumentalists and vocalists.” 


Says Joey Thomas, “We’re very honored to be part of this tribute, especially during Jazz Appreciation Month. Garry was an important member of not only our music community, but the whole Capital District community!” 


Garry Stevens lived in New York’s Capital Region for five decades, first as a DJ on WROW. He joined WRGB television in 1950 and for nine years, as trumpet player and singer, Stevens led a seven-piece band that played live as “The After Six Seven” with an evening variety program, “Television Showcase,” that was sandwiched between the local and national news. At the invitation of Al Cavalieri in 1978, he joined the Al Cavalieri Orchestra and later became its leader following Cavalieri’s passing in 1993.


Stevens began his professional music career in 1935 as a trumpet player and vocalist. He became an integral part of the “Big Band Era” including singing with Charlie Spivak and his Orchestra, the Army Air Corps Band, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra under the leadership of Tex Beneke. Throughout his musical career, Stevens played alongside many great musicians and arrangers including LeRoy Holmes, Nelson Riddle, and Henry Mancini. His extensive discography with Columbia Records includes  “My Devotion” with the Spivak orchestra in 1941 (Stevens’ #1 recording) and other hits such as “Slow Boat to China,” “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles,” “A Little Dream of Me,” and “Fools Rush In.” In the prewar big band boom, Stevens was among the top five singers on the Billboard charts along with Frank Sinatra, Dick Haymers, and Bob Eberly. Known for his smooth phrasing, melodious voice and ability to wrap emotions around lyrics, Stevens was the first singer to record “White Christmas.” 


Garry Stevens was inducted in 2003 into the Big Band Academy Hall of Fame in Studio City (CA) and an exhibit of his musical life is in the Glenn Miller Archive at the University of Colorado in Boulder. At the age of 93, Stevens passed away December 8, 2009 in Benicia, California where he lived with his wife Judy.


More information on Garry Stevens can be found at:


http://alb.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=5834988
 
http://www.ledgertranscript.com/article/garry-stevens
 
http://alb.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=9168209
 
More information on Jazz Appreciation Month can be found at:
 
http://www.smithsonianjazz.org/jam/jam_start.asp
 
 
# # #

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY—On Saturday, March 20th the Saratoga SAVOY Diamond Dance will celebrate its Seventh Anniversary Dance from 7:30-11:30 PM in the third floor ballroom of the historic Saratoga Music Hall located at 474 Broadway (corner of Broadway and Lake Avenue) in downtown Saratoga Springs. The event features live music by the award winning Joey Thomas Big Band. Admission is only $15 for over three hours of fun-filled, calorie burning entertainment!
 
  “We are not only proud to be celebrating our Seventh Anniversary on March 20th, but also to feature the Joey Thomas Big Band, the band that played at the inaugural dance in March, 2003 and one of our flagship bands,” says Dave Wolf, the Dance’s coordinator.”
 
  The Seventh Anniversary Dance offers dancing, seating for those who do not wish to participate in dance activities, food, beverages, and ice cream provided by Ben and Jerry’s. The Saratoga SAVOY offers a dance lesson at 7:30 PM when the doors open. The Joey Thomas Big Band takes the stage at 8:00 PM. The event also includes a special video/slide show, DJ SAVOY during intermission, an impromptu Swing Jam circle, a professional performance and more! 
 
  Since March 2003, the Diamond Dance has been presented by Saratoga SAVOY every third Saturday of the month at the Saratoga Music Hall. Featuring a live swing or big band, The Diamond Dance series has grown to be the most attended dance series in the Northeastern United States. Says Dave Wolf, “Incorporating a big band like the Joey Thomas Big Band in our band rotation makes our concert/dance series unique and so successful.”
 
  The diversity of Diamond Dance followers are also key to its success. Jenna Caputo, a professional ballroom dancer and instructor at the Saratoga SAVOY, comments, “I’ve been attending these [dances] for years. There’s nothing that compares to the Diamond Dance ... There are so many people of all ages enjoying themselves.” Caputo refers to how multi-generational the event has become. “It’s not unusual to see teenagers dancing with seniors, or professional dancers mingling with beginners.” The Diamond Dances have become known entertainment for all ages. With tables and chairs, the event is also suitable for anyone wishing to come merely to watch the dancing and listen to the sounds of the Joey Thomas Big Band.
 
  It is also notable that the Saratoga Savoy Diamond Dance is the most successful continuous dance or musical concert series to take place at the Saratoga Music Hall. Since the Music Hall’s bell tower was dismantled in 1936 and the Hall was reconfigured, the venue was no longer home to an ongoing music or dance series. With the success of the Diamond Dance, this has changed.
 
  “We are proud of our growth, and I think the success of the Diamond Dance lies in the fact that we focus on the community gathering and entertainment experience rather than honing in on just the dancing,” says Wolf. He is referring to the several artistic events that culminate in the one event. In addition to a dance in the elegance of the historic Saratoga Music Hall with an authentic big band performance by Joey Thomas and his group, the evening also includes video mash-ups and an exhibition of unique art. 
 
  The Joey Thomas Big Band is dedicated to the perpetuation of big band music, swing dancing, and the Great American Songbook through live performance and recordings of the classic arrangements used by the original hit makers and new works written specifically for the Band.  
 
  The Diamond Dance is sponsored by The Saratoga SAVOY, Ben and Jerry’s, and dedicated patrons. In 2009, the Dance Flurry Organization (DFO) recognized the Saratoga Savoy Diamond Dance’s mission of promoting traditional dance and history. While the Diamond Dance worked with the DFO since its inception, it has since become an official affiliate dance to further promote the shared vision.
# # #

Joey's Jazz Journal
Tuesday - March 2, 2010
 
Joey Thomas and The Band had a SWINGING rehearsal last night! 
 
It was the first time the band has gotten together after a small hiatus for Joey to recover from his double knee surgery ... they were doing a little dusting off the charts getting ready for the upcoming Saratoga Savoy Diamond Dance on Saturday, March 20th!
 
So ... here's the QUESTION:
 
Any particular tunes you want to hear at the Diamond Dance?
No promises ... but what do YOU want to have the Joey Thomas Big Band play?
 
Join the Joey Thomas Big Band Group on facebook and
let Joey know what you want to hear and dance to!

The Egg, Albany, NY,

December 12, 2009 (12/12/09)

A Sinatra Christmas

7TH Avenue Productions presents A Sinatra Christmas, starring the Joey Thomas Big Band, and featuring vocalist Bob Father.

The Joey Thomas Big Band will pay tribute to “ The Man”, his music, on his birthday, at Christmas time.

The Joey Thomas Big Band has been touring nationally with the “Tribute to Frank Sinatra Show “ for over 10 years. This season they bring to you a one-time performance, featuring special arrangements of Frank Sinatra’s Christmas music.

Do not miss this special tribute to Frank Sinatra at the Egg at The Empire Center for the Performing Arts on December 12th at 3:00 p.m..

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Egg Box Office, by phone at 518-473-1845, and at www.theegg.org/events/705. Tickets also available at the door.

Advance, Senior and Veteran discounts available.

The Spa Little Theater, Saratoga State Park, Saratoga Springs, NY  
 
Veterans Day November 11, 2009 (11/11/09)
 
Big Band Treasures of WWII
 
7TH Avenue Productions presents Big Band Treasures of World War II, starring the Joey Thomas Big Band, and featuring vocalists Bob Father and special guest Mia Scirocco.
 
The Joey Thomas Big Band will recreate its award winning tribute to the most treasured big bands whose music gave so much comfort and hope to our nation during World War II.
 
Do not miss this special tribute to all veterans at the SPA Little Theater, in Saratoga State Park, Saratoga Springs, NY on Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 3:00 p.m..
 
The music of this special show is “as recorded” by the original big band hit makers of the World War II era. Tickets are on sale now can be purchased at the Egg box office by phone at 518-473-1845, or at www.theegg.org/events/706. Tickets also available at the door.
 
Senior and Veteran discounts are available.
 

---

The Egg, Albany, NY,
 
December 12, 2009 (12/12/09)
 
A Sinatra Christmas
 
7TH Avenue Productions presents A Sinatra Christmas, starring the Joey Thomas Big Band, and featuring vocalist Bob Father.
 
The Joey Thomas Big Band will pay tribute to “ The Man”, his music, on his birthday, at Christmas time.

The Joey Thomas Big Band has been touring nationally with the “Tribute to Frank Sinatra Show “ for over 10 years. This season they bring to you a one-time performance, featuring special arrangements of Frank Sinatra’s Christmas music.
 
Do not miss this special tribute to Frank Sinatra at the Egg at The Empire Center for the Performing Arts on December 12th at 3:00 p.m..
 
Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Egg Box Office, by phone at 518-473-1845, and at www.theegg.org/events/705. Tickets also available at the door.
 
Advance, Senior and Veteran discounts available.
 

YouTube and Facebook
 
The JTBB is now on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5_0AkN4_Lc
 
Also check out our Facebook page.
 
Wanted ...
Publicist:
The JTBB is looking for that person who will make sure that our performances are in the right media. Also, we are looking for additional booking agents.

If your interested please call (518) 843-5732.

Special Event:

Sunday, April 1st, 2007

Remembering Sammy, Dean, Frank and Marilyn
Proctor's Theatre
432 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
Box Office - (518) 346-6204
http://www.proctors.org/events/583

Price: $37.50, $32.50, $27.50

Featured Las Vegas veteran performer, Louie Velez, a native of Amsterdam,returns to the Capital District, as Sammy Davis Jr,. In Remember Sammy, Dean, Frank and Marilyn.

Velez heads up a swinging , world renown, Rat Pack cast featuring: Russ Loniello as Dean; Vaughn Suponatime as Frank and Gailyn Addis as Marilyn, and the 16 piece Grammy nominated Joey Thomas Big Band.

One big party breaks out on stage as songs and stories of a bygone era in music and laughter are remembered by this critically acclaimed group of Las Vegas veterans.

$37.50, $32.50, $27.50

Bose PA system for sale:

(4) 802 Cabinets
(2) 302 Bass Bins
(1) 802 Controller
$2000.00
Call for more information or details: (518) 843-5732

Wanted ...

Publicist:
The JTBB is looking for that person who will make sure that our performances are in the right media. Also, we are looking for additional booking agents.

If your interested please call (518) 843-5732.

The Joey Thomas Big Band schedule has been updated as of 4-20-05.

Be sure to check out the new video of Big Band Treasures of WWII.

The JTBB

The Joey Thomas Big Band schedule has been updated with performances for 2005. Be sure to check back often as new events will be added as they come in.

The JTBB

The JTBB is sad to announce that long time member Gary Livingston is leaving the band! :-(
The weekend of September 18th, 2004 will be his last. Hopefully we will see him as a sub.

You can wish him well at gary@joeythomasbigband.com

We wish you well,

The JTBB

Check out this article about The Joey Thomas Big Band's recent performance at the Comedy Works.

Our new album Big Band Treasures of WW II is now finished. Internet purchasing is available now. You can pick up a copy at our gigs or by going to our store.

Updated the musician's section of the website. More information and we now have email to every member of the band. Check it out at Musician's page.

The Big Band Treasures of WW II cd is nearing completion. On June 7, 2004 all final recordings being done. Expected release date June 12, 2004.

-Brian

Be sure to check out our exciting new show Big Band Treasures of WW II. We have music samples as well as pictures from our new show.

Dial-up and broadband playlists added to website! You can now listen to The JTBB while surfing our site.