19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Elizabeth Embser at Swing City

Didn’t get invited to THAT Halloween party you wanted to go to? Pre-SAD (pre-Seasonal Affective Disorder) with losing an hour of daylight on November 2nd? There’s a potion that’ll turn those frowns upside down: Equal parts authentic, full-size big band, fabulous vocalist, great book of swingin’ arrangements, terrific sound system (and engineer), beginner swing lesson included in the very reasonable admission price, AND FREE Lindy Bootcamp? WOW!!! Get out and dance to the 19-piece Compaq Big Band with Vocalist Elizabeth Embser on Saturday November 1st when we return to New England’s longest running - and in our opinion *THE BEST* - public, commercial swing dance in the region, Swing City! Bring/wear what you didn't get to for Halloween – vintage swing dress always in vogue, but so is just dropping by in comfortable dance garb. Whatever you wear, make the shoes appropriate for the dance floor. The band plays 9:00pm-12:00am. Lindy Bootcamp 6:30pm-8:00pm. Group-friendly beginner swing lesson 8:00pm-9:00pm included in admission to the dance (no entry between 8:15pm-9:00pm, please). Both the workshop and lesson are led by expert instructors. Come early and stay all evening, or just drop by later for the last set or two if you’d like. More info at <a href="http://www.swingcityboston.com">www.swingcityboston.com</a>. Admission is just $20pp – at the door, Cash Only, please. Swing City is held at the Russell Youth Center (West Cambridge Youth Center) located at 680 Huron Avenue in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s situated on the northwestern side of Cambridge, only 3.5 miles from the Alewife ‘T’ station, with easy access via Route 2 from points north, south, and west of Boston. SC has a spacious dance floor, and water &amp; soft drinks are available for cash purchase. There’s free parking, on-street or in the small municipal lot across the road. Swing City is famous for being inclusive, welcoming singles, couples, collegiate swing dance club members, and meetup groups. Dancers of all ages and experience levels have flocked to SC for decades, and you’ll always find great partners, from novice to expert. Most importantly, just plain nice people. And, SC’s always been faithful to their rich tradition of booking terrific swing bands - from New England and beyond. Especially if you’re new to swing dancing – or even just want to take it on a short ‘test drive’ - Swing City is *THE* iconic dance environment to dip your toes in the water. Elizabeth will be channelin’ Diane Schuur, Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, and more. She’s a rising jazz vocalist, composer, and educator residing in Greater Boston. She received a Bachelors in Vocal Performance from Ithaca College, and more recently obtained a Masters in Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory. Sharing and expressing music has become an intrinsic part of her life. In addition to teaching at NEC Prep and singing with local jazz and classical groups, her own jazz quartet has performed at the famed Mad Monkfish in Cambridge, MA. We’ll also be hittin’ the dancers with some of our best instrumental arrangements, too. Think Sammy Nestico, Frank Foster, Billy Strayhorn… Just as with our first gig at the 'old' Swing City in the 1990s (the West Cambridge VFW at the same street address (with the rocket ship out front...) our sets will be *100% DANCEABLE SWING* – mostly medium, some a little slower, some a little faster. But, *NO BALLROOM, LATIN, OLDIES, ROCK, OR POP STYLES* mixed in. Those great sets of will, of course, contain several original arrangements of compositions from the Golden Age of big bands to anchor the evening, but we’ll enhance the dance as only the Compaq Big Band can by mixing in some more progressive - and more hip - arrangements of the Great American Songbook and much more! It all adds up to approachable treatments of swingin' tunes you all know. Another hallmark of our swing dance performances is an organized, no-nonsense approach to minimizing the time between tunes. Also note that we’re a FULL 19-piece big band: 14 horns + 4 rhythm + vocalist. Dancers also appreciate that on every one of our gigs we utilize our own professional, comprehensive, state-of-the-art traveling sound system, operated from start to finish of the event by our very experienced, full-time engineer. That means you’ll hear Elizabeth, the instrumental soloists, and the entire ensemble, very clearly. All of this is presented with the band’s passion for production excellence unmatched by other regional competitors. Check out <a href="https://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a> FB: Compaq Big Band | Elizabeth Embser | Swing City IG: compaqbigband | heymynames_elizabeth_embser

Swing City - Russell Youth Center

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Elizabeth Embser at 'Sanctuary's Big Band Christmas'

Looking for that special experience (versus just another ‘thing’) as an early stocking stuffer this season? We’ve got just the ticket – literally ;)&nbsp;Join the 19-piece Compaq Big Band with Vocalist Elizabeth Embser at one of our most popular venues in the last few years, Sanctuary - Cultural Arts Center in Maynard, Massachusetts.&nbsp;We are STOKED to return again to be featured at ‘Sanctuary’s Big Band Christmas’ on Sunday December 7th! Coincidentally, Maynard is where the band was born! (see below). If you don’t know Sanctuary, you should – check out <a href="http://www.sanctuarymaynard.com">www.sanctuarymaynard.com</a>. Hip, historic architecture, great sound system, and a warm, cozy full bar staffed by wonderful servers. Also, feel free to bring in takeaway fare from a variety of cool Downtown Maynard restaurants. Sanctuary is located at 82 Main Street in Maynard, with plenty of free parking on-street and in nearby municipal lots.&nbsp; This will be an amazing evening filled with seasonal favorites like you’ve never heard them before - exciting, inspirational, and just plain fun. Even the biggest Grinch can’t help but get in the Christmas spirit when the inside of this great old church echoes with the sounds of the most wonderful time of the year! The show runs 7:00pm-9:30pm. Tickets are $23pp-$33pp. See the seating chart in the link below for details on Reserved Seating at Cabaret and High-Top tables, as well as General Admission.&nbsp;Since we have SOLD OUT previous holiday shows at Sanctuary QUICKLY, we strongly recommend advance ticket purchase by going to <a href="http://www.sanctuarymaynard.com">www.sanctuarymaynard.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Walk-ins night of welcomed as space permits, with a $2 upcharge over on-line sales. Doors open 6:00pm. IMPORTANT: *** DUE TO SCAMMERS THAT MAY CREATE VERY AUTHENTIC-LOOKING WEB SITES, AND/OR COMMENT TO THIS FACEBOOK POST OFFERING TICKETS VIA PERSONAL SALE, BUY TICKETS DIRECTLY FROM THE VENUE OFF THEIR TICKETING LINK ABOVE ONLY! WE’LL TAKE DOWN FRAUDSTERS’ COMMENTS, AND BLOCK &amp; REPORT THEM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE *** While not specifically programmed as a ‘dance’, there will be floor space to do so if the Christmas spirit moves you ;) The styles you’ll hear on December 7th run the gamut from traditional swing to very UNtraditional jazz rock, ballad, samba and jazz waltz tunes – dominated by high-energy instrumental arrangements from legendary big band arrangers such as Gordon Goodwin, Count Basie, Tom Kubis, Sammy Nestico, Dave Metzger, and John Clayton.&nbsp; Out in front of the band on stage that evening we’ll have the ultra-talented Elizabth Embser, channelin’ Ella Fitzgerald and much more - only the best vocal treatments of seasonal classics. Elizabeth Embser is a rising jazz vocalist, composer, and educator residing in Greater Boston. She received a Bachelors in Vocal Performance from Ithaca College, and more recently obtained a Masters in Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory. Sharing and expressing music has become an intrinsic part of her life. In addition to teaching at NEC Prep and singing with local jazz and classical groups, her own jazz quartet has performed at the famed Mad Monkfish in Cambridge, MA. To get a tiny sample of what you’re in for, take a listen to the Tom Kubis Big Band performing the instrumental “Joy To The World” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Tx6lZEzNo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Tx6lZEzNo</a>.&nbsp; Check out <a href="http://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a>&nbsp; FB: Compaq Big Band | Elizabeth Embser | Sanctuary – Cultural Arts Center IG: compaqbigband | heymynames_elizabeth_embser | sanctuarymaynard The Compaq Big Band has a strong connection to Maynard, having started out as the DECbigband at Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in 1975, just a block or so down Main Street in the Civil War era textile mill that was the for many years DEC headquarters – hence Maynard’s moniker of ‘Minicomputer Capital of the World”.

Sanctuary Cultural Arts Center

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Juliana Bautista at Andres Institute Holiday Fundraiser Concert

Give an early stocking stuffer everyone on your gift list will remember with a unique experience Sunday December 14th!&nbsp;The 19-piece Compaq Big Band is returning to Southern New Hampshire’s great combination of hip jazz club style &amp; vibe in a warm &amp; rustic setting at a holiday fundraiser concert at the Andres Institute of Art (AIA) in Brookline.&nbsp;&nbsp; This will be an amazing evening filled with seasonal favorites like you’ve never heard them before - exciting, inspirational, and just plain fun.&nbsp;This year we’ll have our newest ultra-talented vocalist Juliana Bautista, a rising star in both her hometown of Montreal, Quebec and in Boston - she’ll be makin’ her AIA debut!&nbsp; The show runs 6:00pm-8:00pm. Admission is just $25pp.&nbsp;BOTH our first shows at the Andres Institute&nbsp;– including our ’24 Christmas Show – *SOLD OUT*, so don’t get Scrooged – advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged at https://andresinstitute.org/live-music-series-tickets/ !&nbsp;Walk-ins permitted as space allows (cash and card accepted). All seating is General Admission – table sizes of 4-, 6-, and 8-people.&nbsp;Early arrival is encouraged to get best seats, and you will likely be asked to sit with unaffiliated parties unless you have enough for a whole table - bring old friends or make new ones ;)&nbsp;Doors open 5:00pm. IMPORTANT: *** DUE TO SCAMMERS THAT MAY CREATE VERY AUTHENTIC-LOOKING WEB SITES, AND/OR COMMENT TO THIS FACEBOOK POST OFFERING TICKETS VIA PERSONAL SALE, BUY TICKETS DIRECTLY FROM THE VENUE OFF THEIR TICKETING LINK ABOVE ONLY! WE’LL TAKE DOWN FRAUDSTERS’ COMMENTS, AND BLOCK &amp; REPORT THEM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE *** The venue is the AIA Welcome Center located at 106 Route 13 in Brookline, with plenty of free parking on-site. Complimentary soft drinks and beer/wine will be offered – but please make a donation ($2 and $4, respectively – cash and cards accepted).&nbsp;Feel free to bring your own food from home, or local restaurants.&nbsp;Brookline’s Finest in the same building has GREAT meals, soups, and snacks www.fromgraciestable.com, and The Alamo Texas Barbecue &amp; Tequila Bar www.alamobarbecue.com is just across the street. While not specifically programmed as a ‘dance’, there will be a little floor space to do so if the Christmas spirit moves. The styles you’ll hear on December 14th run the gamut from traditional swing to very UNtraditional jazz rock, ballad, samba and jazz waltz tunes – dominated by high-energy instrumental arrangements from legendary big band arrangers such as Gordon Goodwin, Count Basie, Tom Kubis, Sammy Nestico, Dave Metzger, and John Clayton.&nbsp;&nbsp; Juliana Bautista will be channelin’ a lot of classic seasonal arrangements crafted for the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald , and much more. She’s a Montréal-born jazz vocalist, composer, and educator known for her warm tone, multilingual versatility, and dynamic stage presence.&nbsp;Juliana has performed at major venues and festivals across Québec and New England, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Boston’s Jordan Hall, and the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, Massachusetts. Currently based between Montréal and Boston, she is completing her undergraduate studies in Jazz Voice Performance at the New England Conservatory, where she has worked closely with acclaimed artists including Dominique Eade, Jason Moran and Sara Serpa. In addition to performing, Juliana is an active composer and educator. Her original music draws from the Great American Songbook, Latin jazz, and contemporary influences, and she teaches private voice and piano with a focus on creativity, confidence, and technical foundation.&nbsp; To get a tiny sample of what you’re in for, take a listen to the Tom Kubis Big Band performing the instrumental “Joy To The World” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Tx6lZEzNo.&nbsp; Check out www.compaqbigband.com&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FB: Compaq Big Band | Juliana Bautista | Andres Institute of Art IG: compaqbigband | julianabautistamusic | andresinstituteofart

Andres Institute of Art

19-Piece Compaq Big Band at 'Boston's Big Band Christmas' with Special Guest Vocalist Anaïs Reno - Early

The Boston Pops’ Christmas concerts and ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet are timeless New England seasonal classics, but six years ago the 19-piece Compaq Big Band started a new tradition with ‘Boston’s Big Band Christmas’ at the fabulous City Winery – and we sold out well in advance! On Sunday December 21st we're not only keeping the now-popular two-show schedule, but we’ll be featuring the band’s Special Guest Vocalist, jazz sensation Anaïs Reno from New York City. Recently off a SOLD OUT (two months in advance) debut performance at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London, she’ll be singing many great arrangements as performed by the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald. As always, these will be amazing performances filled with seasonal favorites like you’ve never heard them before - exciting, inspirational, and just plain fun. Even the biggest Grinch can’t help but get in the Christmas spirit!&nbsp; The afternoon matinee show runs 3:00pm-4:30pm (Doors Open 1:00pm), and the evening show runs 7:30pm-9:00pm (Doors Open 5:30pm). Ticket pricing, program, and options described below will be the same for both performances. Make the decision about which one of these shows to come to a ‘happy’ Thanksgiving table topic where everyone wins! Reserved Seating only, with tickets $25 - $45 per person, depending on section selected (see seating chart).&nbsp;Some previous City Winery Boston holiday shows have *SOLD OUT* well in advance, so we *STRONGLY* recommend early on-line ticket purchase by going to one of the following links: 3:00pm – 4:30pm&nbsp;https://citywinery.com/boston/events/compaq-big-band-a3iosl&nbsp; 7:30pm – 9:00pm https://citywinery.com/boston/events/compaq-big-band-9qz8wo&nbsp; Walk-Ins for both shows welcomed as space permits. IMPORTANT: *** DUE TO SCAMMERS THAT MAY CREATE VERY AUTHENTIC-LOOKING WEB SITES, AND/OR COMMENT TO THIS FACEBOOK POST OFFERING TICKETS VIA PERSONAL SALE, BUY TICKETS DIRECTLY FROM THE VENUE AT THE ABOVE LINKS ONLY! WE’LL TAKE DOWN FRAUDSTERS’ COMMENTS, AND BLOCK &amp; REPORT THEM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE *** Tickets to these shows are always THE unique Christmas ‘experience’ on everyone’s list, but for the perfect stocking stuffers we'll have Anaïs' CDs available for purchase. AND we'll have custom-labeled Artist Wine commissioned specially for the event on sale. AND we're offering separately-ticketed Meet &amp; Greets after each show where you can chat up Anaïs and get CDs and Artist Wine signed.&nbsp; Note that City Winery has a $25 minimum spend for all concert ticket-holders. All food, beverage, and City Winery-branded merchandise purchased on premises the day of (but before the show ends) counts toward that minimum. This includes the Artist Wine mentioned above. If you don’t know CW, you should - check out www.citywinery.com/boston.&nbsp;Terrific sight lines, phenomenal sound system, chill atmosphere, and a great selection of sustenance &amp; libation - all brought to you by the hippest, nicest staff and management in Boston. City Winery is located at 80 Beverly Street in the heart of Downtown Boston, close to familiar landmarks such as the Haymarket, the North End, TD Garden, and Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market.&nbsp;And, there are both Orange and Green Line ‘T’ station entrances one block away. Parking is available just one block sway at the Haymarket Garage for $16 https://www.pilgrimparking.com/boston-parking-garages/haymarket-garage.&nbsp; The band always features the power of 14 horns plus a cookin’ rhythm section, and showcases top jazz vocalists from the Greater Boston and New York City areas. The styles you’ll hear on December 21st run the gamut from terrific swing and jazz treatments of holiday classics to very UNtraditional variations of jazz rock, ballad, samba, and jazz waltz – all high-energy arrangements from greats such as Gordon Goodwin, Count Basie, Tom Kubis, Sammy Nestico, Dave Metzger, and Bob Curnow.&nbsp; Anaïs Reno’s love affair with the Great American Songbook began at age ten, and her rise to prominence in the hugely competitive jazz scene that is NYC with shows at Birdland Jazz Club in Times Square beginning when she was thirteen. During her years at famed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music &amp; Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan, and then while earning her Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Jazz Performance from Purchase College (SUNY Purchase) in New York in May 2025 (as an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar), her career skyrocketed with performances across the United States and in the United Kingdom.&nbsp; She has performed at storied venues such as Rose Hall at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Django, and Feinstein's 54 Below, plus Seneca One Auditorium in Buffalo, NY for International Jazz Day, as well as singing her own compositions with the New York Philharmonic in David Geffen Hall (Lincoln Center). Anaïs has also sung at Madison Square Garden, and at the Caramoor Jazz Festival. She delivered a stunning rendition of “America The Beautiful” on national television at Citi Field for the New York Mets/Yankees game on the 20th anniversary of 9/11.&nbsp; In addition to Birdland, Anaïs performs regularly at many other iconic jazz addresses – many times selling out - such as Dizzy’s Club (Jazz at Lincoln Center, NYC), Chris' Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia, PA, the Blue Strawberry in St. Louis, MO, the Valhalla Boat House Theatre in Lake Tahoe, CA, and both PizzaExpress and Ronnie Scott’s in London. She’s also made two consecutive appearances at the annual Edinburgh Jazz Festival.&nbsp; Her first album, “Lovesome Thing: Anaïs Reno sings Ellington &amp; Strayhorn”, debuted in 2021, and is a 12-song compilation of 100% Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn collaborations that rose quickly to #6 on the jazz charts. Her second album - “Anaïs Reno at PizzaExpress Live - in London“ - was recorded in Summer 2023 at the club’s trendy Soho flagship location. Her latest studio endeavor, “Lady Of The Lavender Mist”, was released in May 2025 under Club44 Records, featuring legendary guitarist Peter Bernstein, David Wong, and Joe Farnsworth.&nbsp; The Compaq Big Band is one of the longest continuously operating large-format jazz ensembles in New England. Formed in 1975, the group has entertained hundreds of clients across the region and beyond, impressing enthusiastic crowds large and small at swing dances, gala celebrations, nonprofit fundraisers, music festivals, summer concerts series, historic performing arts centers, corporate &amp; private parties, and legendary Greater Boston area jazz venues. Their passion is combining tight ensemble musicianship, top vocalists, an extensive library of hip-but-approachable swing and jazz, and technical show production quality that impresses seasoned big band aficionados while inspiring newcomers to the genre to become avid fans.&nbsp; Check out www.compaqbigband.com and www.anaisreno.com.&nbsp; FB: Compaq Big Band | Anaïs Reno | City Winery Boston IG compaqbigband | anaisreno | citywinerybos

City Winery Boston

19-Piece Compaq Big Band at 'Boston's Big Band Christmas' with Special Guest Vocalist Anaïs Reno - Late

The Boston Pops’ Christmas concerts and ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet are timeless New England seasonal classics, but six years ago the 19-piece Compaq Big Band started a new tradition with ‘Boston’s Big Band Christmas’ at the fabulous City Winery – and we sold out well in advance! On Sunday December 21st we're not only keeping the now-popular two-show schedule, but we’ll be featuring the band’s Special Guest Vocalist, jazz sensation Anaïs Reno from New York City. Recently off a SOLD OUT (two months in advance) debut performance at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London, she’ll be singing many great arrangements as performed by the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald. As always, these will be amazing performances filled with seasonal favorites like you’ve never heard them before - exciting, inspirational, and just plain fun. Even the biggest Grinch can’t help but get in the Christmas spirit!  The afternoon matinee show runs 3:00pm-4:30pm (Doors Open 1:00pm), and the evening show runs 7:30pm-9:00pm (Doors Open 5:30pm). Ticket pricing, program, and options described below will be the same for both performances. Make the decision about which one of these shows to come to a ‘happy’ Thanksgiving table topic where everyone wins! Reserved Seating only, with tickets $25 - $45 per person, depending on section selected (see seating chart). Some previous City Winery Boston holiday shows have *SOLD OUT* well in advance, so we *STRONGLY* recommend early on-line ticket purchase by going to one of the following links: 3:00pm – 4:30pm <a href="https://citywinery.com/boston/events/compaq-big-band-a3iosl">https://citywinery.com/boston/events/compaq-big-band-a3iosl</a>  7:30pm – 9:00pm <a href="https://citywinery.com/boston/events/compaq-big-band-9qz8wo">https://citywinery.com/boston/events/compaq-big-band-9qz8wo</a>  Walk-Ins for both shows welcomed as space permits. IMPORTANT: *** DUE TO SCAMMERS THAT MAY CREATE VERY AUTHENTIC-LOOKING WEB SITES, AND/OR COMMENT TO THIS FACEBOOK POST OFFERING TICKETS VIA PERSONAL SALE, BUY TICKETS DIRECTLY FROM THE VENUE AT THE ABOVE LINKS ONLY! WE’LL TAKE DOWN FRAUDSTERS’ COMMENTS, AND BLOCK &amp; REPORT THEM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE *** Tickets to these shows are always THE unique Christmas ‘experience’ on everyone’s list, but for the perfect stocking stuffers we'll have Anaïs' CDs available for purchase. AND we'll have custom-labeled Artist Wine commissioned specially for the event on sale. AND we're offering separately-ticketed Meet &amp; Greets after each show where you can chat up Anaïs and get CDs and Artist Wine signed.  Note that City Winery has a $25 minimum spend for all concert ticket-holders. All food, beverage, and City Winery-branded merchandise purchased on premises the day of (but before the show ends) counts toward that minimum. This includes the Artist Wine mentioned above. If you don’t know CW, you should - check out <a href="http://www.citywinery.com/boston">www.citywinery.com/boston</a>. Terrific sight lines, phenomenal sound system, chill atmosphere, and a great selection of sustenance &amp; libation - all brought to you by the hippest, nicest staff and management in Boston. City Winery is located at 80 Beverly Street in the heart of Downtown Boston, close to familiar landmarks such as the Haymarket, the North End, TD Garden, and Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market. And, there are both Orange and Green Line ‘T’ station entrances one block away. Parking is available just one block sway at the Haymarket Garage for $16 <a href="https://www.pilgrimparking.com/boston-parking-garages/haymarket-garage">https://www.pilgrimparking.com/boston-parking-garages/haymarket-garage</a>.  The band always features the power of 14 horns plus a cookin’ rhythm section, and showcases top jazz vocalists from the Greater Boston and New York City areas. The styles you’ll hear on December 21st run the gamut from terrific swing and jazz treatments of holiday classics to very UNtraditional variations of jazz rock, ballad, samba, and jazz waltz – all high-energy arrangements from greats such as Gordon Goodwin, Count Basie, Tom Kubis, Sammy Nestico, Dave Metzger, and Bob Curnow.  Anaïs Reno’s love affair with the Great American Songbook began at age ten, and her rise to prominence in the hugely competitive jazz scene that is NYC with shows at Birdland Jazz Club in Times Square beginning when she was thirteen. During her years at famed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music &amp; Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan, and then while earning her Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Jazz Performance from Purchase College (SUNY Purchase) in New York in May 2025 (as an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar), her career skyrocketed with performances across the United States and in the United Kingdom.  She has performed at storied venues such as Rose Hall at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Django, and Feinstein's 54 Below, plus Seneca One Auditorium in Buffalo, NY for International Jazz Day, as well as singing her own compositions with the New York Philharmonic in David Geffen Hall (Lincoln Center). Anaïs has also sung at Madison Square Garden, and at the Caramoor Jazz Festival. She delivered a stunning rendition of “America The Beautiful” on national television at Citi Field for the New York Mets/Yankees game on the 20th anniversary of 9/11.  In addition to Birdland, Anaïs performs regularly at many other iconic jazz addresses – many times selling out - such as Dizzy’s Club (Jazz at Lincoln Center, NYC), Chris' Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia, PA, the Blue Strawberry in St. Louis, MO, the Valhalla Boat House Theatre in Lake Tahoe, CA, and both PizzaExpress and Ronnie Scott’s in London. She’s also made two consecutive appearances at the annual Edinburgh Jazz Festival.  Her first album, “Lovesome Thing: Anaïs Reno sings Ellington &amp; Strayhorn”, debuted in 2021, and is a 12-song compilation of 100% Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn collaborations that rose quickly to #6 on the jazz charts. Her second album - “Anaïs Reno at PizzaExpress Live - in London“ - was recorded in Summer 2023 at the club’s trendy Soho flagship location. Her latest studio endeavor, “Lady Of The Lavender Mist”, was released in May 2025 under Club44 Records, featuring legendary guitarist Peter Bernstein, David Wong, and Joe Farnsworth.  The Compaq Big Band is one of the longest continuously operating large-format jazz ensembles in New England. Formed in 1975, the group has entertained hundreds of clients across the region and beyond, impressing enthusiastic crowds large and small at swing dances, gala celebrations, nonprofit fundraisers, music festivals, summer concerts series, historic performing arts centers, corporate &amp; private parties, and legendary Greater Boston area jazz venues. Their passion is combining tight ensemble musicianship, top vocalists, an extensive library of hip-but-approachable swing and jazz, and technical show production quality that impresses seasoned big band aficionados while inspiring newcomers to the genre to become avid fans.  Check out <a href="http://www.compaqbigband.com/">www.compaqbigband.com</a> and <a href="http://www.anaisreno.com/">www.anaisreno.com</a>.  FB: Compaq Big Band | Anaïs Reno | City Winery Boston IG compaqbigband | anaisreno | citywinerybos

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Special Guest Vocalist Anaïs Reno at FREE 'Sounds on the Souhegan' Summer Concert Series Finale

The sun may be setting on the 19-piece Compaq Big Band’s loaded Summer 2025, but we still have a couple HOT concerts remaining! On Wednesday Auust 27th we’re once again *THRILLED* to have Special Guest Special Guest Vocalist Anaïs Reno out front! The audience in Milford is in for a VERY RARE treat when this jazz sensation from New York City returns to again grace a Southern New Hampshire stage with us – after performing just the night prior at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s iconic Dizzy's Club ;) This will be the season finale for ‘Sounds on the Souhegan’, the popular FREE public concert series presented annually by the Milford Recreation Department. Band plays 7:00pm-8:30pm Rain Or Shine. The primary outdoor venue for the show is The Stage at Keyes Memorial Park, located at 45 Elm Street. Bring a blanket and/or lawn chair. Free parking along Elm Street and in the Keyes Park lots. In the event of rain the concert moves indoors to the Milford Town Hall, upstairs in the Auditorium (3rd Floor). The Town Hall is located at One Union Square (on ‘The Oval) in the center of Milford. The Auditorium is accessible by stairs at the Nashua Street main entrance, or via an elevator via the rear entrance on Middle Street. Parking is available along Elm Street, South Street, Nashua Street, and Middle Street, plus on The Oval and in lots off Bridge Street and next to TD Bank. If held indoors, chairs will be provided and seating will be General Admission Only. Doors Open 6:00pm – please arrive early for best seats! The weather call will be made by 12:00pm the day of – check band and town Facebook pages, or the Milford Rec web site (all listed below). The sandwich boards on The Oval will be updated, too. Milford offers a wide variety of great choices for sustenance and libation before and after the concert, with many options on or just off The Oval. In 2024 the Compaq Big Band was fortunate to have Anaïs Reno up from New York to be featured in front of the full band on three killer concert events, including at the prestigious City Winery Boston. And, she wowed every audience member - from just sitting just a few feet in front of her to around the world - when she performed at a fabulous live studio, on-air FM, and streamed performance at 90.5 WICN in Worcester with a talented quintet of CBB instrumentalists 15 months ago. Check out audio and photos from that special WICN Studio 50 event at <a href="https://www.compaqbigband.com/CBB_AnaisReno_WICN_20240326.php">https://www.compaqbigband.com/CBB_AnaisReno_WICN_20240326.php</a>, along with a fascinating on-air interview by WICN’s Tom Nutile recorded just after the live performance. On August 27th Anaïs will be singing arrangements from the Great American Songbook as performed by Ella Fitzgerald with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, as well as other jazz classics as sung by Ella, Carmen McRae, Anita O’Day, Helen O’Connell, Rosemary Clooney, Nancy Wilson, and more. Apropos of our singer’s hometown, we'll also program a very hip version of Billy Joel’s “New York State Of Mind” from Chris Walden. And, we’ll round out the evening with a few tasty instrumental arrangements from the likes of Count Basie, Buddy Rich, and Gordon Goodwin. Since her public Boston debut with us in May of last year at City Winery, this rising New York City jazz star has been busy performing on stages in Manhattan, St. Louis, Buffalo, Philadelphia (where one of her very favorite venues once named an ice cream after her…), San Francisco, London, Edinburgh, Lake Tahoe, New Hampshire, Western Massachusetts, North Carolina, and more. Anaïs began singing the Great American Songbook at the age of eight, and has been performing at legendary Birdland Jazz Club in Times Square since she was thirteen. A graduate of the acclaimed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music &amp; Art and Performing Arts in NYC, in May 2025 she received her bachelor's degree in jazz vocal performance from Purchase College (SUNY Purchase) in New York, where she was an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar. Among her many accolades, she won the Ben Tucker Jazz Award at the 2023 American Traditions Competition, took First Place at the 2020 Mabel Mercer Foundation competition, received the 2020 Julie Wilson Award, was awarded Second Place at the 2018 Michael Feinstein’s Great American Song Book Academy competition, and earned the 2016 Forte International Competition’s Platinum Award. She has performed for sold out shows at storied NYC venues such as Rose Hall at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Django, Dizzy’s, and Feinstein's 54 Below, plus Seneca One Auditorium in Buffalo, NY for International Jazz Day, as well as singing her own compositions with the NY Philharmonic in David Geffen Hall (Lincoln Center). Anaïs has also sung at Madison Square Garden, and at the Caramoor Jazz Festival. She delivered a stunning rendition of “America The Beautiful” on national television at Citi Field for the New York Mets/Yankees game on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Anaïs appears regularly at iconic music venues such as Birdland, Chris’ Jazz Club in Philadelphia, and at PizzaExpress in London. Her first album, “Lovesome Thing: Anaïs Reno sings Ellington &amp; Strayhorn”, debuted in 2021, and is a 12-song compilation of 100% Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn collaborations that rose quickly to #6 on the jazz charts. Her second album - “Anaïs Reno at PizzaExpress Live - in London“ - was recorded in Summer 2023 at the iconic club’s trendy Soho flagship location. Her latest studio endeavor, “Lady Of The Lavender Mist”, was released in May 2025 under Club44 Records, featuring legendary guitarist Peter Bernstein, David Wong, and Joe Farnsworth. All are available on Spotify, Apple Music, etc. We will have Anaïs’ three CDs available for purchase before and after the show (cash &amp; cards accepted). To get a couple more samples of what you’re in for on August 27th, watch a video collage captured live of her singing with the CBB at the Andres Institute of Art in Brookline, NH on September 20, 2024 <a href="https://compaqbigband.com/video/cbb_20240921_AndresInstituteOfArt.mp4">https://compaqbigband.com/video/cbb_20240921_AndresInstituteOfArt.mp4</a> , and listen to a live recording of her performing Billy May’s arrangement of “I Love You” with us at the Park Theatre in Jaffrey, NH on July 24, 2024 as part of the TEAM Jaffrey Summer Concert Series <a href="https://compaqbigband.com/CBB_Jaffrey20240724_I%20Love%20You.mp3">https://compaqbigband.com/CBB_Jaffrey20240724_I%20Love%20You.mp3</a> . <a href="https://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a> | <a href="https://www.anaisreno.com">www.anaisreno.com</a> | <a href="https://milford.nh.gov/recreation">milford.nh.gov/recreation</a> FB: Compaq Big Band | Anais Reno | Milford Recreation Department IG: compaqbigband | anaisrenojazz

The Stage at Keyes Memorial Park

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Ed Scheer from Boston's 'The Love Dogs' at FREE Stark Park Summer Concert Series Finale

Alas, you know that Summer 2025’s been *WAY* too short when the 19-piece Compaq Big Band is honored once again to be selected to perform at the finale of the popular Stark Park concert series in the north end of Manchester, New Hampshire on Sunday August 24th. Our 14th consecutive year celebrating the end of another Friends of Stark Park great season! The park and bandstand are a picturesque setting for this FREE public event. Just bring a blanket and/or lawn chair. The show runs 2:00pm-4:00pm. Weather Permitting Only. In the event of rain, the concert will be postponed to Sunday September 7th, same time (but no other rain date). Watch <a href="https://www.starkpark.com/summer-concert-series">www.starkpark.com/summer-concert-series</a> and the band Facebook page (below) for updates. Use “Stark Park” or “550 River Road Manchester NH” for navigation. Fronting the band on August 24th will be the 'Band’s Best Friend' Ed Scheer, founder and leader of Boston’s 'The Love Dogs'. Ed will be channelin’ Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Michael Buble, Dean Martin, and other great crooners. We will also be hittin’ the audience with some of our best instrumental arrangements, too. Think Bill Holman, Sammy Nestico, Chris Walden, and more, plus a few surprises. As is the case wherever we go, the band will have our professional, state-of-the-art traveling sound system, operated by our very experienced, full-time sound engineer. That means you’ll hear Ed, all the instrumental soloists, and the entire ensemble, clearly. All of this brought together with the band’s passion for production excellence unmatched by other regional big bands. <a href="https://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a> ! <a href="https://www.thelovedogs.com">www.thelovedogs.com</a> | <a href="https://www.starkpark.com">www.starkpark.com</a> FB: Compaq Big Band | The Love Dogs | Stark Park IG: compaqbigband

Stark Park

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Special Guest Vocalis Anaïs Reno at Backbeat Brewing Company (No Cover)

The 19-piece Compaq Big Band is BEYOND EXCITED to make a midsummer return to one of our favorite new haunts, the Backbeat Brewing Company (BBC) in Beverly, MA, Massachusetts, on Monday July 28th. As was the case with our smash debut at BBC this past March 24th, Special Guest Special Guest Vocalist Anaïs Reno from New York City will be out in front! Backbeat has quickly become New England’s premier ‘big band hang’, featuring monthly appearances by an all-star ‘house band’ - the Backbeat Big Band (BBB), directed by well-known New England jazz trumpeter Jay Daly – along with frequent guest big band performances. Both Jay and BBC owner Pete Harkins are HUGE fans of the genre! As if having Anaïs with us at BBC again isn’t ‘enough’ for diehard big band fans, we’re honored to have world-renowned jazz trumpeter and Grammy Award-winning big band leader Bijon Watson as part of our stellar trumpet section for this show! He’ll be featured on Bill Holman’s dynamic arrangement of “Begin The Beguine” done for Doc Severinsen, and Adrian Drover’s legendary treatment of “MacArthur Park” done for Maynard Ferguson’s full-size big band. There is no cover charge for this event. We’re on 7:00pm-9:30pm. Doors Open 5:00pm. All seating is General Admission – SO GET THERE EARLY! Indoors, but - weather permitting - BBC’s outdoor patio will be open, too! Cool and casual summer dress, for sure. In just the last year and a half the Compaq Big Band has been privileged to feature Anaïs on four killer concert events, including at the prestigious City Winery Boston. And, she wowed every audience member - from just sitting just a few feet in front of her to around the world - when she performed at a fabulous live studio, on-air FM, and streamed performance at 90.5 WICN in Worcester with a talented quintet of CBB instrumentalists in March 2024. Check out video and photos from that special WICN Studio 50 event at <a href="https://www.compaqbigband.com/CBB_AnaisReno_WICN_20240326.php">https://www.compaqbigband.com/CBB_AnaisReno_WICN_20240326.php</a> , along with a fascinating on-air interview by WICN’s Tom Nutile recorded just after the live performance. BBC is located at 31A Park Street in downtown Beverly, just across from the Beverly Depot MBTA commuter rail station – just minutes off Route 128. There’s plenty of parking adjacent to/near the venue, including at the MBTA parking garage at 100 Rantoul Street ($4 cash or card) and metered on-street spaces ($1/hour up until 8:00pm - quarters, card, or Passport Parking App). Just an FYI, during the summer there’s the popular Beverly Farmer’s Market going on across the street at Veterans Memorial Park (Odell Park) 3:00pm-7:00pm. BBC offers a great assortment of fresh craft beers brewed on premises, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. And, they serve great pizza and bar snacks. On July 28th Anaïs will be singing arrangements from the Great American Songbook as performed by Ella Fitzgerald with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, as well as other jazz classics as sung by Ella, Carmen McRae, Anita O’Day, Helen O’Connell, Rosemary Clooney, Nancy Wilson, and more. Apropos of her hometown, we’ll also be debuting a very hip version of Billy Joel’s “New York State Of Mind””. And, we’ll round out the evening with a few tasty instrumental arrangements from the likes of Count Basie, Sammy Nestico, Callum Au, and Gordon Goodwin. Plus Anaïs will dazzle the audience with a few small group features from her latest album. Anaïs began singing the Great American Songbook at the age of eight, and has been performing at legendary Birdland Jazz Club in Times Square since she was thirteen. A graduate of the acclaimed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music &amp; Art and Performing Arts in NYC, in May 2025 she received her Bachelor of Music degree in jazz vocal performance from Purchase College (SUNY Purchase) in New York, where she was an an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar. Among her many accolades, she won the Ben Tucker Jazz Award at the 2023 American Traditions Competition, took First Place at the 2020 Mabel Mercer Foundation competition, received the 2020 Julie Wilson Award, was awarded Second Place at the 2018 Michael Feinstein’s Great American Song Book Academy competition, and earned the 2016 Forte International Competition’s Platinum Award. Since Anaïs’ public Boston debut with us just ten short months ago at City Winery Boston, this rising New York City jazz star has been busy performing in her hometown of Manhattan, along with appearing on stages in St. Louis, Buffalo, Philadelphia (where one of her very frequent jazz club venues named an ice cream after her…), San Francisco, London, Edinburgh, Lake Tahoe, New Hampshire, and more. She has performed for sold out shows at storied venues such as: Madison Square Garden; Rose Hall at Lincoln Center; Carnegie Hall; The Django; Dizzy’s; Feinstein's 54 Below in New York City; Seneca One Auditorium in Buffalo, NY for International Jazz Day; Chris’ Jazz Café in Philadelphia, PA; the Valhalla Boathouse Theater in Lake Tahoe, CA; Pizza Express and Crazy Coqs in London; as well as singing her own compositions with the NY Philharmonic in David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center. Anaïs has been featured at the Caramoor Jazz Festival, and the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, and delivered a stunning rendition of “America The Beautiful” on national television at Citi Field for the New York Mets/Yankees game on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Anaïs appears regularly at iconic music venues such as Birdland, Chris’ Jazz Club in Philadelphia, and at PizzaExpress in London. Her first album, “Lovesome Thing: Anaïs Reno sings Ellington &amp; Strayhorn”, debuted in 2021, and is a 12-song compilation of 100% Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn collaborations that rose quickly to #6 on the jazz charts. Her second album - “Anaïs Reno at PizzaExpress Live - in London“ - was recorded in Summer 2023 at the iconic club’s trendy Soho flagship location. Her latest studio album, “Lady Of The Lavender Mist”, was released in May 2025 under Club44 Records, featuring legendary guitarist Peter Bernstein, David Wong, and Joe Farnsworth. All are available on Spotify, Apple Music, etc. To get a couple more samples of what you’re in for on July 28th, watch a video collage captured live of her singing with the CBB at the Andres Institute of Art in Brookline, NH on September 20, 2024, and listen to a live recording of her performing Billy May’s arrangement of “I Love You” with us at the The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, NH on July 24, 2024 as part of the TEAM Jaffrey Summer Concert Series. <a href="https://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a> | <a href="https://www.anaisreno.com">www.anaisreno.com</a> | <a href="https://www.bijonwatson.com">www.bijonwatson.com</a> | <a href="https://www.backbeatbrewing.com">www.backbeatbrewing.com</a> | <a href="https://www.jaydalytrumpet.com">www.jaydalytrumpet.com</a> We will have Anaïs’ CDs of her three albums (along with vinyl of her second album) available for purchase before the show, during intermission, and post-show (cash &amp; cards accepted). Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Bijon Watson’s career as a musician and educator spans more than 30 years and has taken him around the globe to perform for audiences worldwide. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Bijon attended the New England Conservatory of Music Preparatory School, and the University of Southern California, and was a member of the 1994 Disney All-American College Band and 1995 Disney/Grammy All-American College Jazz Band. His love for big band jazz inspired him to become a student of the great bands of the past and present and he has become a sought after and in-demand lead trumpet player that can be heard on television, in films, and award-winning recordings with iconic and world-class artists. Bijon plays lead trumpet for the Grammy-nominated Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, the Grammy-winning John Daversa Progressive Big Band, the Grammy-winning John Beasley’s Monkestra, José Rizo’s Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars, the late Gerald Wilson Jazz Orchestra, and many other jazz, salsa, and pop bands throughout the United States. Most recently, in 2022, as co-leader with pianist/composer Steven Feifke, Bijon can be heard showcasing his talents not only on lead trumpet but as a featured soloist as well with their Grammy Award-winning Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra. FB: Compaq Big Band | Anaïs Reno | Bijon Watson | Backbeat Brewing Company | Jay Daly IG: compaqbigband | anaisrenojazz | bijonwatsontrumpet | backbeatbrewing | jay.daly

Backbeat Brewing Company

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Aviana Gedler at FREE Outdoor Concert at Weston Town Green

To borrow a famous boxing quote, “We wuz robbed!” in Summer 2024 when the 19-piece Compaq Big Band was rained out of our debut at the Weston, Massachusetts Summer Concert Series. Fingers crossed that lightning (or even just drizzles..) won’t strike twice in the same place when we try again on Wednesday July 9th! This is a FREE, public outdoor concert presented by the Weston Rcreation Department - just bring a blanket and/or lawn chair. Weather permitting. The show runs 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Use “11 Town House Road, Weston, MA” to navigate to the venue, but you can also get there via Maps by using “Lamson Park”, which will take you to the side of the park on Boston Post Road. Plenty of free, on-street parking. Stunning the crowd from out front will be vocalist Aviana Gedler- a rising jazz star in Boston! You’re in for a treat when you hear Aviana shred Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, Peggy Lee, Tierney Sutton, and more. Plus, we'll do some very hip concert instrumentals - think Maynard Ferguson, Gordon Goodwin, Sammy Nestico, Chris Walden, and maybe a couple of surprises. Aviana Gedler is a jazz singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with an unwavering passion for music and performance artistry. She placed 2nd in the 2024 Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition and has showcased her talent in many performances across the Midwest, including the Iowa City Jazz Festival and the Jazz in July concert series in Des Moines, Iowa. In 2022, she earned her Associate of Applied Arts degree from the School for Music Vocations in Creston, Iowa, and received the 2021 and 2022 Downbeat Magazine awards for Best Vocal Jazz Soloist in the community college division. Aviana just received her undergraduate degree in vocal jazz performance from the New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts, having studied with Dominique Eade and Ran Blake. Check out <a href="https://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a> | <a href="https://avigedler.wixsite.com/aviana">https://avigedler.wixsite.com/aviana</a> <a href="https://www.westonma.gov/1748/Weston-Summer-Concert-Series">www.westonma.gov/1748/Weston-Summer-Concert-Series</a> FB: Compaq Big Band | Aviana Gedler | Weston Recreation Department . IG: compaqbigband | avianagedler

Weston Town Green

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Cara Campanelli at FREE Outdoor Concert at Norwood Town Common

The 19-piece Compaq Big Band will be closing out the long Independence Day weekend on Sunday July 6th as we return to the ‘Concerts On The Common’ summer series in Norwood, Massachusetts. The venue is the Walter J. Dempsey Memorial Bandstand on the Norwood Town Common. This is a FREE, public concert presented by the Norwood Concert Committee - just bring a blanket and/or lawn chair. The show runs 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Weather permitting only. Use “517 Washington Street, Norwood, MA” to navigate to the venue. Plenty of free, on-street parking. This summer concert series holds a special place on the Compaq Big Band’s long resume as the Town of Norwood MA has always programmed several big bands (not just one or two) annually, making for seriously big-band-savvy audiences. In 2025 we’re eager to appear on the calendar as one of SIX ensembles of similar instrumentation to ‘bring it’ with our special brand of jazz and swing defined by 14 very tight horns, a cookin’ 4-piece rhythm section, a killer vocalist, a book of powerful arrangements unique to New England bands of this genre, and our our state-of-the-art sound system operated by our full-time, experienced sound engineer. All brought together with an absolute passion for technical production detail. Fronting the band on July 6th will be the fabulous Cara Campanelli on vocals, channelin’ Ella Fitzgerald, and more. We will also be hittin’ the audience with some of our best instrumental arrangements, too. Think Bill Holman, Sammy Nestico, Chris Walden, and more, plus a few surprises – with some great patriotic charts sprinkled in, too. Check out <a href="https://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a> &amp; www.caracampanelli.com. FB: Compaq Big Band | Cara Campanelli (Musician/band). IG: compaqbigband

Norwood Town Common

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Ed Scheer at FREE Outdoor Concert at Tuscan Village

The 19-piece Compaq Big Band is THRILLED to open our busy Summer 2025 season at an exciting, new-to-us venue when we debut on the Lake Park Stage at Tuscan Village in Salem, New Hampshire on Fourth of July Eve - Thursday July 3rd. Tuscan Village <a href="https://www.tuscanvillagesalem.com">www.tuscanvillagesalem.com</a> is an amazing complex of great retail stores, a wide assortment of restaurants &amp; bars, the beautiful Artisan Hotel, and much more. This is a FREE, public concert – use “9 Via Toscana, Salem, NH” to get there. Lots of free parking – closest is around L.L.Bean and Tuscan Market. The show runs 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Weather permitting only. Traditionally, long Fourth of July weekend getaway traffic could be heavy coming up I-495 and I-93 from the Greater Boston area, so plan on some extra time to get there, park, and enjoy all that Tuscan Village has to offer. Plenty of amazing food options for takeaway or dining in – or bring your own (just no BYOB). You’ll be able to hear the band while partaking of sustenance and/or libation al fresco at either the Sam Adams Pavillion or Tuscan Market. The park has lots of public Adirondack chairs and picnic tables, plus some limited green space for personal lawn chairs/blankets. Fronting the band on July 3rd will be the 'Bands Best Friend' Ed Scheer, founder and leader of Boston’s 'The Love Dogs'. Ed will be channelin’ Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Michael Buble, Dean Martin, and other great crooners. We will also be hittin’ the audience with some of our best instrumental arrangements, too. Think Bill Holman, Sammy Nestico, Chris Walden, and more, plus a few surprises – with some great patriotic charts sprinkled in, too. And for all you swing dancers out there, THIS outdoor venue has a very large, VERY FLAT area comprised of skillfully laid pavers right in front of the stage that almost seems made with YOU in mind for summer dancin’! Kickin’ off the long Independence Day Weekend will be regulars Mark Stanaford, Chris Hildebrand, Scott Taylor, Bryan Hilliard, Dennis Cecere, Gil Bristol, Dave King, and Jeff Hagan, plus alum super-subs Kyle Gildner, Tom Nutile, Rick Cavallaro, Rick Copeland, Wayne Branco, Leslie Havens, Cameron Shave, Richard Given, Jay Daly, Dan LePage, and Mark Holovnia.

Tuscan Village

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Aviana Gedler at Milford High School's 'All That Jazz'

For two years in a row this event has been *STANDING ROOM ONLY*, so don’t be an April Fool in 2025 by missing out when the Compaq Big Band returns to Milford (NH) High School (MHS) for a 4th straight year with an exciting night of ‘All That Jazz’ on Saturday April 5th. Support the dedicated students and educators of Milford High School as they present an unforgettable night.&nbsp;They and the Spartan Music Boosters provide an upscale, fun vibe! The venue is Milford High School, located at 100 West Street. The stars of the show will be opening for us when MHS’ West Street Beat jazz vocal group, the MHS Jazz Band, and several student solo vocalists perform - the music runs from 7:30pm to 10:00pm.&nbsp; While you sit back and enjoy the performances, the student culinary artists of Windows On West Street will offer complimentary desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Listen the night away, dance a bit if you’d like, or do a little of both! Tickets are available at the door only – no advance on-line sales. Admission is $15pp - $8 for Students and Seniors.&nbsp;Cash, check, and credit card accepted.&nbsp;General Admission only – table seating plus and rows of chairs on the perimeter of the venue available.&nbsp;Come early for best seat selection!&nbsp;Doors Open 7:00pm. This great event is presented by the Spartan Music Boosters, who work tirelessly (especially Whitney Dunbar!) year-round to support the MHS’ Marching Spartans, West Street Beat, Jazz Band, Concert Band and Chorus! All profits from tickets and a raffle that evening go to scholarships, uniforms, t-shirts, and much more. We want to recognize of the WONDERFUL sponsors who are donating to the evening, including Kokko Realty, Inc., Cardoza Flooring, Amherst Orthodontics. Brennan and Mackay Appliance, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and Wetherbee Plumbing and Heating, Inc. – some GREAT raffle prizes! Thanks for your generous support of jazz music in our schools! Our set at ‘All That Jazz’ will feature the latest addition to our rotation of incredible regional jazz vocalists, the ultra-talented Aviana Gedler - a rising jazz star in Boston.&nbsp;She’ll be channelin’ Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, and much more - the best vocal treatments of the Great American Songbook and beyond. And, as if THAT’S not enough, the band will sprinkle in a few instrumental features from greats such as Tom Kubis, and Chris Walden, and a few surprises (think Maynard Ferguson..). Aviana’s a jazz singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, with an unwavering passion for music and performance artistry. She placed 2nd in the 2024 Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition and has showcased her talent in many performances across the Midwest, including the Iowa City Jazz Festival and the ‘Jazz in July’ concert series in Des Moines, Iowa. In 2022, she earned her Associate of Applied Arts degree from the School for Music Vocations in Creston, Iowa, and received the 2021 and 2022 Downbeat Magazine awards for ‘Best Vocal Jazz Soloist’ in the community college division. Aviana will be graduating from the New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts, has studied there with with Dominique Eade and Ran Blake, and enjoys collaborating with other musicians and performing in the New England area and in Des Moines, Iowa.&nbsp;For a really fun evening, watch for her next scheduled appearance at fantastic Hobgoblin in Boston https://www.hobgoblinbar.com/. Check out www.compaqbigband.com and&nbsp;https://avigedler.wixsite.com/aviana . FB: ‘Compaq Big Band’ &amp; ‘Aviana Gedler’ IG: compaqbigband &amp; avianagedler

Milford High School

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Bella Holtz & Smith College Jazz Ensemble in *FREE* 'Big Band Anniversary Bash' Concert

Anniversaries collide…in the best way possible! When the 26-member Smith College Jazz Ensemble (25 years young) and the 19-piece Compaq Big Band (50 years young) join forces to present the ‘Big Band Anniversary Bash’ on Wednesday April 2nd. This is a *FREE* event, open to all, on the beautiful campus of Smith College (150 years young) in Northampton, MA. The CBB is *PSYCHED* to take a mid-week ‘road trip’ to the Pioneer Valley to collaborate with the SCJE – several of us are UMass Amherst alums, Genevieve Rose who directs the SCJE is a longtime CBB favorite sub on bass, plus many CBB regulars and subs have ties to the very hip Western Massachusetts jazz community. FYI, this will be our THIRD consecutive ‘No Cover’ gig in just 9 days! The venue is the gorgeous 600-seat+ Sweeney Concert Hall, located within Sage Hall at 144 Green Street. General Admission seating. Doors Open 7:00pm – bands play 7:30pm-9:30pm. Metered parking is available along Green Street - pay until 8:00pm. Free parking is available in the Belmont Avenue Parking Lot (on Google Maps) after 5:00pm – just a 2-minute walk. Establishments for terrific sustenance and libation both before the event abound in downtown Northampton, within a mile from the venue.  Membership in the Smith College Jazz Ensemble is open to students enrolled at any of the Five College institutions (Smith College, UMass-Amherst, Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, and Hampshire College), and select community members. This 26-member group rehearses once a week, and presents both on- and off-campus concerts every semester. Their April 2nd program will include jazz standards, rock &amp; roll, and more!  Fronting the Compaq Big Band that evening will be Smith College and SCJE alum Bella Holtz, enjoying a second long-term stint with the Compaq Big Band, channelin’ Diane Schuur, Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, and more. We’ll also be hittin’ the audience with some of our best instrumental arrangements, too. Think Sammy Nestico, Frank Foster, Chris Walden, Billy Strayhorn…  Bella Holtz has deep New England jazz roots, including vocal studies at the Vermont Jazz Center with the likes of Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton, and Peter Eldridge, and stage time with Samirah Evans, Charles Neville, and Houston Person. After performing extensively with the Compaq Big Band from 2011 to 2014 as our feature vocalist, Bella moved to Oakland, California for several years, where appearances with both San Franciso’s SFJAZZ Monday Night Band (full big band) and Sidenote acapella octet awaited. Fortunately for us, Bella’s been back from the West Coast for a few years now, joining our phenomenal rotation of ultra-talented New England- and New York City-based jazz vocalists, along with appearing regularly with the Keene (New Hampshire) Jazz Orchestra.  Check out <a href="http://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a> | FB: Compaq Big Band | IG: compaqbigband

Sweeney Concert Hall | Sage Hall | Smith College

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Elizabeth Embser at BC Full Swing *FREE* 'Enchanted Forest' Spring Social Dance

A sure sign that Spring has finally arrived is the 19-piece Compaq Big Band inviting you to come out to the ‘Enchanted Forest’ Spring Social dance presented by our good friends, the BC Full Swing dance club. The is a *FREE* event, open to the public on Friday March 28th, on the beautiful Boston College campus in Chestnut Hill, MA. It’s our second of THREE consecutive ‘No Cover’ gigs in just 10 days!  There’s a group-friendly introductory swing lesson at 6:00pm, followed by the band sets 7:00pm-9:00pm. The venue is the Lyons Hall Dining Commons (aka ‘The Rat’). There’s limited free on-street parking adjacent to Lyons Hall, and paid parking only a 3-minute walk to the nearby Commonwealth Avenue Parking Garage. See area C2 on this map <a href="https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/about/maps-and-directions/chestnuthill-campus-map.html">https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/about/maps-and-directions/chestnuthill-campus-map.html</a>. It’s best not to follow directions to the generic BC address of “140 Commonwealth Avenue” – for best results on Maps use “Lyons Hall, Chestnut Hill, MA” and “Commonwealth Avenue Parking Garage, Chestnut Hill, MA”, respectively. Making her debut with us that evening will be the talented Elizabeth Embser, a rising vocalist, composer, and educator from Boston. She received a Bachelors in Vocal Performance from Ithaca College, and more recently obtained a Masters in Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory. Sharing and expressing music has become an intrinsic part of her life. In addition to teaching at NEC Prep and singing with local jazz and classical groups (her own jazz quartet performed recently at the famed Mad Monkfish in Cambridge, MA), Elizabeth is a dedicated social dancer in the Boston dance scene, and continuously inspired by the Greater Boston community. Our sets will be 100% danceable swing, with Elizabeth channelin’ Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, and others, and we’ll complement those classic vocal arrangements with some very swingin’ instrumentals. Check out <a href="http://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a>, and if you have any questions about the dance please feel free to email <a href="mailto:bcfullswing@gmail.com">bcfullswing@gmail.com</a>. FB: Compaq Big Band | Elizabeth Embser | BC Full Swing IG: compaqbigband | heymynames_elizabeth_embser | bcfullswing Celebrating the end of the lllooonnnggg New England winter will be regulars Mark Stanaford, John Finocchiaro, Chris Hildebrand, Kurt Thaller, Scott Taylor, Russell Bogartz, Bryan Hilliard, Kyle Emmie, Dave King, Bruce Hanahan, and Gil Bristol, plus super-subs Tom Nutile, Rick Cavallaro, Andrew Knight, Zoe Murphy, Joe Pino, and Barry Singer.

Lyons Hall - Boston College

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Special Guest Vocalist Anaïs Reno at Backbeat Brewing Company

The 19-piece Compaq Big Band is celebrating their 50th birthday month by performing Monday March 24th at an exciting new-to-us venue, the Backbeat Brewing Company (BBC) in Beverly, Massachusetts. Though it will be our first appearance at one of the North Shore’s undiscovered live music gems, BBC is no stranger to great big band entertainment, first and foremost by the ‘house band’ - the Backbeat Big Band (BBB) - directed by well-known New England jazz trumpeter Jay Daly.&nbsp;In addition to treating Monday night audiences from Beverly and beyond to his all-star band’s programs, Jay and BBC owner Pete Harkins (a HUGE fan of big bands!) have begun welcoming guest ensembles from Greater Boston, including to date the Randy Pingrey Jazz Orchestra and Greg Hopkins Big Band.&nbsp;Pretty darn good company! There is no cover charge for this show.&nbsp;We’re on 7:00pm-9:30pm. Doors Open 5:00pm.&nbsp;All seating is General Admission, and capacity is limited – SO GET THERE EARLY! Casual dress. Supercharging our BBC debut will be Special Guest Vocalist Anaïs Reno from New York City.&nbsp;In 2024 we were fortunate to have Anaïs up from New York to be featured in front the full band on three killer concert events, including at the prestigious City Winery Boston.&nbsp;And, she wowed every audience member - from just sitting just a few feet in front of her to around the world - when she performed at a fabulous live studio, on-air FM, and streamed performance at 90.5 WICN in Worcester with a talented quintet of CBB instrumentalists one year ago.&nbsp;Check out video and photos from that special WICN Studio 50 event at https://www.compaqbigband.com/CBB_AnaisReno_WICN_20240326.php , along with a fascinating on-air interview by WICN’s Tom Nutile recorded just after the live performance.&nbsp; And we’re not done yet with the March 24th program yet – not by a long shot!&nbsp;You’ll also be treated to an exciting opening set by All-City Jazz Ensemble, comprised of students from the Beverly schools’ Grades 5-9, beginning at 6:00pm! BBC is located at 31A Park Street in downtown Beverly, just across from the MBTA commuter rail station – not very far off Route 128.&nbsp;There’s plenty of parking adjacent to/near the venue, including at the MBTA parking garage at 100 Rantoul Street ($4 cash or card) and metered on-street spaces ($1/hour up until 8:00pm - quarters, card, or Passport Parking App)&nbsp; BBC offers an assortment of fresh craft beers brewed on premises, as well as non-alcoholic beverages.&nbsp;And, they serve great pizza and bar snacks. On March 24th Anaïs will be singing arrangements from the Great American Songbook as performed by Ella Fitzgerald with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, as well as other jazz classics as sung by Ella, Carmen McRae, Anita O’Day, Helen O’Connell, and more. A few very hip, more modern takes on timeless vocals will be sprinkled in, such as John Clayton’s powerful version of “Fever”.&nbsp;And, we’ll round out the evening with a few tasty instrumental arrangements from the likes of Chris Walden, Count Basie, Sammy Nestico, Callum Au, and Gordon Goodwin. Since Anaïs’ public Boston debut with us just ten short months ago at City Winery Boston, this rising New York City jazz star has been busy performing in her hometown of Manhattan, along with appearing on stages in St. Louis, Buffalo, Philadelphia (where one of her very frequent jazz club venues named an ice cream after her…), San Francisco, London, Edinburgh, Lake Tahoe, New Hampshire, and more. We will have Anaïs’ CDs of her fist two albums, along with vinyl of her second album, available for purchase. All merchandise will be on sale before the show, during intermission, and post-show (cash &amp; cards accepted). Anaïs began singing the Great American Songbook at the age of eight, and has been performing at legendary Birdland Jazz Club in Times Square since she was thirteen. A graduate of the acclaimed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music &amp; Art and Performing Arts in NYC, she is an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar who is in her final semester at Purchase College (SUNY Purchase) in New York, majoring in vocal jazz performance. Among her many accolades, she won the Ben Tucker Jazz Award at the 2023 American Traditions Competition, took First Place at the 2020 Mabel Mercer Foundation competition, received the 2020 Julie Wilson Award, was awarded Second Place at the 2018 Michael Feinstein’s Great American Song Book Academy competition, and earned the 2016 Forte International Competition’s Platinum Award. She has performed for sold out shows at storied NYC venues such as Rose Hall at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Django, Dizzy’s, and Feinstein's 54 Below, plus Seneca One Auditorium in Buffalo, NY for International Jazz Day, as well as singing her own compositions with the NY Philharmonic in David Geffen Hall (Lincoln Center). Anaïs has also sung at Madison Square Garden, and at the Caramoor Jazz Festival. She delivered a stunning rendition of “America The Beautiful” on national television at Citi Field for the New York Mets/Yankees game on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Anaïs appears regularly at iconic music venues such as Birdland, Chris’ Jazz Club in Philadelphia, and at PizzaExpress in London. Her first album, “Lovesome Thing: Anaïs Reno sings Ellington &amp; Strayhorn”, debuted in 2021, and is a 12-song compilation of 100% Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn collaborations that rose quickly to #6 on the jazz charts. Her second album - “Anaïs Reno at PizzaExpress Live - in London“ - was recorded Summer 2023 at the iconic club’s trendy Soho flagship location.&nbsp;Her third album is nearing completion around the date of this gig. To get a couple more samples of what you’re in for on March 24th, watch a video collage captured live of her singing with the CBB at the Andres Institute of Art in Brookline, NH on September 20, 2024, and listen to a live recording of her performing Billy May’s arrangement of “I Love You” with us at the Park Theatre in Jaffrey, NH on July 24, 2024 as part of the TEAM Jaffrey Summer Concert Series.&nbsp;Finally, listen to a couple small-group jazz tracks from Anaïs’ first album that - we’ll be doing full big band arrangements of at the BBC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bxGPJ3mncM&amp;list=OLAK5uy_kHm45Cra7FSia4UlomWi_YrbNBo2P6cMw and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTf7uQMLB4Q&amp;list=OLAK5uy_kHm45Cra7FSia4UlomWi_YrbNBo2P6cMw&amp;index=5&nbsp; www.compaqbigband.com | www.anaisreno.com | www.backbeatbrewing.com | www.jaydalytrumpet.com&nbsp;&nbsp; FB: Compaq Big Band | Anaïs Reno | Backbeat Brewing Company | Jay Daly IG: compaqbigband | anaisrenojazz | backbeatbrewing | jay.daly

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