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 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 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

Backbeat Brewing Company

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Bella Holtz at Swing City

Late (hopefully near-done…) New England winter blahs? Something to celebrate more sunshine comin’ on Daylight Savings Time Eve? Haven’t been able to find a swing dance event that has a great, authentic-size big band, a fabulous vocalist, a terrific sound system, AND *BOTH* a FREE Beginner Lindy Hop/Swing Bootcamp Workshop, AND a group-friendly swing lesson included in admission? WOW!!! Spring ahead with the 19-piece Compaq Big Band on Saturday March 8th when we return to New England’s longest running - and in our opinion *THE BEST* - public, commercial swing dance in the region, Swing City!   The band plays 9:00pm-12:00am. Beginner Hindy Hop/Swing Bootcamp Workshop 6:30pm-8:00pm (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/469359116114436">https://www.facebook.com/events/469359116114436</a>). Group-friendly beginner 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 swing instructors. Come early and stay all evening, or just drop by later for the last couple of sets 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 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.   Casual clothing with proper shoes for the dance floor are fine. Vintage attire is totally optional - wear what’s comfy for you. 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 to environment to dip your toe in the water.   Fronting the band on March 8th will be Bella Holtz, enjoying a second long-term stint with us, 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, 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, and is a wonderful addition to our rotation of ultra-talented New England- and New York City-based jazz vocalists, and also appears with Keene Jazz Orchestra. 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!* mixed in.  Those great sets of will, of course, contain several original arrangements of compositions from the Golden Age of big bands that anchor the evening, but we’ll enhance the dance as only the Compaq Big Band can by mixing in some more modern - 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 Bella, 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="http://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a> | FB: ‘Compaq Big Band’ &amp; 'Swing City' | IG: compaqbigband

Swing City

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Aviana Gedler at Greater Boston Vintage Society's 'Saturday Swing Out!' at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum

*** UPDATE AS OF MONDAY 13-JAN-2025 - THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT *** Didn’t get EXACTLY what you wanted for Christmas or Hannukah?&nbsp;Did you take a swing (pun intended…) on a gift for someone special but missed the mark?&nbsp;Make it up to whomever, but don’t wait too long or you’ll be making a second big mistake ;)&nbsp;Buy your tickets NOW to a fabulous swing dance on Saturday January 18th when the Greater Boston Vintage Society partners with the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts&nbsp;to present the 19-piece Compaq Big Band with Vocalist Aviana Gedler for the first of their ‘Saturday Swing Out!” series for 2025. There’s a complimentary introductory lesson at 7:00pm by the renowned Aurelie and Tony Tye, then the band plays 8:00pm-11:00pm.&nbsp;Tickets are $25pp in advance at <a href="https://www.larzanderson.org/event-details/saturday-night-swing-out?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0NY7z2Pma-4QrABr71doizfG4rn3_d_vKfwzWdpKs-U4VxGPtUEcFh0Ec_aem_Fbou0cqgVEXbVJkSgbxKiQ">https://www.larzanderson.org/event-details/saturday-night-swing-out?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0NY7z2Pma-4QrABr71doizfG4rn3_d_vKfwzWdpKs-U4VxGPtUEcFh0Ec_aem_Fbou0cqgVEXbVJkSgbxKiQ</a>.&nbsp;Online purchases strongly encouraged, but walk-ins will be $30pp (cash or card) *ONLY IF* space permits. Drinks/snacks available for purchase (cash or card).&nbsp;Singles, couples, groups, meetups all welcome, as are all levels of dancers from novice to expert. Seating available for those that would just like to come and listen.&nbsp;&nbsp; What a spectacular venue for a swing dance!&nbsp;The Larz Andreson Auto Museum, home to America’s oldest car collection, is located at 15 Newton Street in Brookline, on the beautiful 64-acre Larz Anderson Park.&nbsp;Plenty of free parking available.&nbsp;Just imagine an 1890’s carriage house, but instead of horses in the stables it’s filled with cool horseless carriages – and swingin’ dancers! Vintage attire is welcomed, but not a requirement. Check out <a href="http://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a>, <a href="https://avigedler.wixsite.com/aviana">https://avigedler.wixsite.com/aviana</a>, and <a href="http://www.bostonvintage.org">www.bostonvintage.org</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; FB: Compaq Big Band | Aviana Gedler | Larz Anderson Auto Museum | Greater Boston Vintage Society&nbsp;&nbsp; IG: compaqbigband | avianagedler | boston.vintage | larzanderson #CompaqBigBand #BigBand #NHBigBand #MABigBand #NewEnglandBigBand #Jazz #JazzBand #Swing #SwingBand #Nightlife #Music #LiveMusic #avianagedler #SwingDancing #Dance #SwingDance #SwingDanceNH #SwingDanceMA #vintage #GBVS #GresterBostonVintageSociety #larzanderson #laam #LarzAndersonAutoMuseum

Larz Anderson Auto Museum

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Renee Dupuis at City Winery's 'Boston's Big Band Christmas'

The Boston Pops’ Christmas concerts and ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet are timeless New England seasonal classics, but five years ago the 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! After a most unwelcome hiatus courtesy of the pandemic, we made a triumphant return in 2022 – sold out one show, and a second evening was then added by popular demand. Our 2023 holiday show was an absolute hit there, too! For December 2024, by popular demand we’re trying something new – *TWO* shows at City Winery in *ONE* day! 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). We will have the same vocalist, ticket pricing, and program for both performances – all detailed below. Make the decision about which one of these shows to come to a ‘happy’ Thanksgiving table topic where everyone wins! 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! Reserved Seating only, with tickets $32 - $38 per person, depending on section selected. Previous City Winery holiday shows have *SOLD OUT* well in advance, so we *STRONGLY* recommend advance ticket purchase by going to these following links: <a href="https://citywinery.com/boston/events/compaq-big-band-a-big-band-christmas-3pm-sze4en">https://citywinery.com/boston/events/compaq-big-band-a-big-band-christmas-3pm-sze4en</a> <a href="https://citywinery.com/boston/events/compaq-big-band-a-big-band-christmas-7-30pm-c7h42m">https://citywinery.com/boston/events/compaq-big-band-a-big-band-christmas-7-30pm-c7h42m</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 *** 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. See the FAQs page on the City Winery web site for parking info. The styles you’ll hear on December 22nd run the gamut from traditional swing to very UNtraditional jazz rock, ballad, samba and jazz waltz tunes – all high-energy arrangements from legendary big band arrangers such as Gordon Goodwin, Count Basie, Tom Kubis, Sammy Nestico, Dave Metzger, and John Clayton. We are beyond delighted to have jazz vocalist extraordinaire Renee Dupuis out in front, channelin’ Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, Linda Eder, Mariah Carey, and much more. Renee is one of the band’s fabulous rotation of spectacular jazz regional vocalists, hailing from Gloucester, MA. She graduated from the Hartt School of Music and is dynamic across multiple genres, fronting local Cape Ann bands ‘Safety!’ and ‘What Time Is It Mr. Fox?’, as well as being a full-time choral music educator at Waring School in Beverly, 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> . And, for a vocal preview, check out Diana Krall and the Hamilton-Clayton Orchestra on “Jingle Bells” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SABWU6im1do">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SABWU6im1do</a> . Check out <a href="http://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a>. FB: ‘Compaq Big Band | City Winery Boston | Renee Dupuis IG: @reneedupuismusic | @citywinerybos

City Winery Boston

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Aviana Gedler at Andres Institute Holiday Fundraiser Concert

Give an early stocking stuffer everyone on your gift list will remember with a unique experience Sunday December 15th! The 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. This will be an amazing evening filled with seasonal favorites like you’ve never heard them before - exciting, inspirational, and just plain fun. The show runs 6:00pm-8:00pm. Admission is just $25pp. Just two months ago our debut show at the AIA *SOLD OUT*, so don’t get Scrooged – advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged at <a href="https://andresinstitute.org/store-2/compaq-big-band-holiday-concert/">https://andresinstitute.org/store-2/compaq-big-band-holiday-concert/</a> ! Walk-ins permitted as space allows (cash and card accepted). All seating is General Admission – table sizes of 4-, 6-, and 8-people. 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 ;) Doors open 5:00pm. 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). Feel free to bring your own food from home, or local restaurants (The Alamo Texas Barbecue &amp; Tequila Bar <a href="www.alamobarbecue.com">www.alamobarbecue.com</a> and Chrysanthi's Restaurant <a href="www.chrysanthisrestaurant.com">www.chrysanthisrestaurant.com</a> are GREAT nearby choices before and after the show. 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 a little floor space to do so if the Christmas spirit moves. The styles you’ll hear on December 15th 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. Out in front of the band on stage that evening we’ll have the latest addition to our rotation of incredible regional jazz vocalists, the ultra-talented Aviana Gedler - a rising jazz star in Boston. She’ll be channelin’ Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, Linda Eder, Mariah Carey, and much more - only the best vocal treatments of seasonal classics. 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 currently studies at the New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts with Dominique Eade and Ran Blake, where she enjoys collaborating with other musicians and performing in the New England area. 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. And, for a vocal preview, check out Diana Krall and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra on “Jingle Bells” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SABWU6im1do">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SABWU6im1do</a> . Check out <a href="www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a> and <a href="https://avigedler.wixsite.com/aviana">https://avigedler.wixsite.com/aviana</a> . FB: ‘Compaq Big Band’ | ‘Aviana Gedler’ | ‘Andres Institute of Art’ IG: @avianagedler

Andres Institute of Art

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Cara Campanelli at Brockton HS Holiday Fundraiser Concert

What do you call a superfecta? It’s when 1) the Compaq Big Band gets to play our Christmas book, 2) as part of a multi-ensemble night to raise funds for high school jazz music, 3) in a great 1600-seat performance hall, and 4) with one of our very own alums hosting the show as their new band director! All this happens on Friday December 13th at the Edwin A. Nelson Fine &amp; Applied Arts Center at Brockton High School in Brockton, Massachusetts. Our host is CBB alum Kevin Kardel, who will be directing opening sets by both the Junior and Advanced Jazz Bands of Brockton High School. This will be an amazing evening filled with seasonal favorites like you’ve never heard them before - exciting, inspirational, and just plain fun. It’ll be an even-more-than-most wonderful time of the year sharing the stage with these talented young jazz musicians, and even the biggest Grinch can’t help but get in the Christmas spirit for this concert! The show runs 7:00pm-9:00pm. Tickets are $20pp. All seating is General Admission, and cash at the door only. Doors open 6:00pm. Brockton High School is located at 470 Forest Avenue, with the entrance for the Nelson Center on the south side of the complex. IMPORTANT: *** DUE TO SCAMMERS THAT MAY CREATE VERY AUTHENTIC-LOOKING WEB SITES, AND/OR COMMENTS TO THIS FACEBOOK POST OFFERING TICKETS VIA PERSONAL SALE, BUY TICKETS AT THE DOOR ONLY! WE’LL TAKE DOWN FRAUDSTERS’ COMMENTS, AND BLOCK &amp; REPORT THEM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE *** The styles you’ll hear on December 13th 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. Out front that evening on vocals will be one of our supremely talented regional vocal stars, Cara Campanelli. She’ll be channelin’ Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, Linda Eder, Mariah Carey, and much more - only the best vocal treatments of seasonal classics. 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. And, for a vocal preview, check out Diana Krall and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra on “Jingle Bells” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SABWU6im1do">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SABWU6im1do</a> . Check out <a href="www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a> &amp; www.caracampanelli.com. FB: ‘Compaq Big Band’ | ‘Cara Campanelli (Musician/band)’

Edwin A. Nelson Fine & Applied Arts Center - Brockton High School

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Aviana Gedler 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 ;) Join the 19-piece Compaq Big Band at one of our most popular venues in the last few years, Sanctuary - Event and Live Music Venue in Maynard, Massachusetts. We are STOKED to return there for another special holiday show presented by Fugitive Productions on Saturday December 7th! Coincidentally, Maynard is where the band was born! (see below). If you don’t know Sanctuary, you should – check out www.sanctuarymaynard.com. 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. 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 8:00pm-10:30pm. Tickets are $25pp for Reserved Seats at Cabaret Tables and $30pp for Reserved Seats at High-Top Tables. Since we have SOLD OUT *ALL* our previous holiday shows at Sanctuary QUICKLY, we strongly recommend advance ticket purchase by going to <a href="https://www.ticketweb.com/event/fugitive-productions-presents-compaq-big-sanctuary-maynard-ma-tickets/13653794">https://www.ticketweb.com/event/fugitive-productions-presents-compaq-big-sanctuary-maynard-ma-tickets/13653794</a> Walk-ins welcomed as space permits. Doors open 7:00pm. 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 some floor space to do so if the Christmas spirit moves. 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. Out in front of the band on stage that evening we’ll have the latest addition to our rotation of incredible regional jazz vocalists, the ultra-talented Aviana Gedler - a rising jazz star in Boston. She’ll be channelin’ Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, Linda Eder, Mariah Carey, and much more - only the best vocal treatments of seasonal classics. 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 currently studies at the New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts with Dominique Eade and Ran Blake, where she enjoys collaborating with other musicians and performing in the New England area. 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. And, for a vocal preview, check out Diana Krall and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra on “Jingle Bells” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SABWU6im1do">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SABWU6im1do</a> . Check out www.compaqbigband.com, www.fugitiveproductions.com, and https://avigedler.wixsite.com/aviana. FB: ‘Compaq Big Band’ | ‘Fugitive Productions’ | ‘Aviana Gedler’ | ‘Sanctuary – Event and Live Music Venue’ IG: @avianagedler 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 Music & Event Center

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Special Guest Vocalist Anaïs Reno at Byfield Community Arts Center

WOW! An incredible evening awaits jazz fans when the 19-piece Compaq Big Band with stunning Special Guest Vocalist Anaïs Reno from New York City debuts at the awesome Byfield Community Arts Center (BCAC) in Byfield, Massachusetts on Friday October 11th! Where’s Byfield, MA you ask? It’s the North Shore’s ‘secret treasure’, right next to picturesque Newbury and Newburyport – only 10 minutes from the beautiful &amp; bustling Newburyport downtown and waterfront. Plan on getting up to the Newburyport area early and having dinner at one of the top spots recommended below. What a great way to kick off a little ‘mini-escape’ for your Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day long weekend! BCAC is a former town hall renovated into a *VERY* cool, ultra-hip, chic performing arts space for the Byfield community and beyond. Great sight lines, terrific sound system &amp; acoustics, video projectors, wonderful stage lighting, and a full service bar (cash &amp; cards accepted). <a href="http://www.byfieldcac.org" target="_blank">www.byfieldcac.org</a>. The show runs 8:00pm-10:00pm. Doors Open 7:00pm. Ticket prices (exclusive of fees) are as follows: General Admission $20pp | Reserved Bar Top Stool $30pp | Reserved High-Top for 2 people $60 | Reserved Cocktail Table for 2 people $60 | Reserved Cocktail Table for 4 people $120. We expect this show to sell out, so advance ticket purchase online is strongly encouraged - <a href="https://byfieldcac.ticketleap.com/compaq-big-band/dates/Oct-11-2024_at_0730PM" target="_blank">https://byfieldcac.ticketleap.com/compaq-big-band/dates/Oct-11-2024_at_0730PM</a>. Walk-ins welcome as space permits (cash &amp; cards accepted). *** IMPORTANT... Protect yourself against online ticket scams. Scammers may create authentic-looking ticket sales web sites, or make Facebook comments offering tickets via personal sale/resale. To avoid ticket scams, we recommend using only the direct ticket link we have provided above to the venue. We'll make every effort to take down, block, and report ticket fraudsters' Facebook comments as quickly as possible. *** Though not billed a ‘dance’, there’ll be some space for that should the music move you ;) This will be Anaïs’ fourth public concert with us in 2024 - she’s wowed crowds this year in Boston, as well as in Jaffrey &amp; Brookline, New Hampshire. Have a quick listen to our encore recorded live on July 24, 2024 at Jaffrey’s Park Theatre in response to a standing ovation at <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/948624i2o12xbpnjx8uei/AHrXLhKntc44PqqmIrrddhc?rlkey=kdjgmnoayyx43mrsudphjppvm&amp;st=qz4rql3z&amp;dl=0" target="_blank">https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/948624i2o12xbpnjx8uei/AHrXLhKntc44PqqmIrrddhc?rlkey=kdjgmnoayyx43mrsudphjppvm&amp;st=qz4rql3z&amp;dl=0</a>. Since Anaïs’ public Boston debut with us just five short months ago at City Winery, this rising New York City jazz star has been busy performing in her hometown, and in Boston, St. Louis, Philadelphia (where one of her frequent jazz club venues named an ice cream after her…), San Francisco, London, Edinburgh, Lake Tahoe, New Hampshire, and more. On October 11th she’ll 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”. And, we’ll round out the evening with a few tasty instrumental arrangements from the likes of Chris Walden, Sammy Nestico, and Gordon Goodwin. Both of Anaïs’ CDs will be available for purchase, along with vinyl of her second album. All merchandise will be on sale before the concert, during intermission, and after the 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 just completed her junior year 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 last year at the iconic club’s trendy Soho flagship location. To get a couple more samples of what you’re in for on September 21st, take a listen to a couple small-group jazz tracks from Anaïs’ first album that - we’ll be doing full big band arrangements of these on May 19th: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bxGPJ3mncM&amp;list=OLAK5uy_kHm45Cra7FSia4UlomWi_YrbNBo2P6cMw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bxGPJ3mncM&amp;list=OLAK5uy_kHm45Cra7FSia4UlomWi_YrbNBo2P6cMw</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTf7uQMLB4Q&amp;list=OLAK5uy_kHm45Cra7FSia4UlomWi_YrbNBo2P6cMw&amp;index=4" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTf7uQMLB4Q&amp;list=OLAK5uy_kHm45Cra7FSia4UlomWi_YrbNBo2P6cMw&amp;index=4</a>. The Compaq Big Band is one of the longest continuously operating large-format jazz ensembles in New England. Formed in 1975, the group has performed for hundreds of clients across the region and beyond, impressing crowds at swing dances, gala celebrations, nonprofit fundraisers, music festivals, summer concerts, and legendary Boston area music venues. It features the power of 14 horns, a cookin’ rhythm section, accomplished instrumental soloists, a rotation of outstanding regional vocalists, one of the most exciting ‘books’ in New England, and an unrivaled passion for technical production. Among the band’s many accomplishments are a 10-day/7-gig tour of the United Kingdom, producing and warming up for sold out shows of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, and several concerts featuring international high jazz trumpet virtuoso Wayne Bergeron. Their two commercial CDs – “Bandwidth” and “Hard Drive” – have been played on New England Jazz National Public Radio, BBC2 in the United Kingdom, and Swedish public radio jazz programs. For dinner choices right near the venue, check out The Rusty Can <a href="www.rustycanbifield.com" target="_blank">www.rustycanbifield.com</a> and Wyatt's Market <a href="http://www.wyattsmarket.com" target="_blank">www.wyattsmarket.com</a>. Another great option would be to come to Newburyport early enough to dine at one of the many phenomenal restaurants there. Recommended favs are BRINE Oyster Bar <a href="http://www.brineoyster.com" target="_blank">www.brineoyster.com</a>, Carmine Newburyport <a href="http://www.carminenewburyport.com" target="_blank">www.carminenewburyport.com</a>, Agave Mexican Bistro <a href="http://www.agavemexicanbistro.com" target="_blank">www.agavemexicanbistro.com</a>, Mission Oak Grill Newburyport <a href="http://www.missionoakgrill.com" target="_blank">www.missionoakgrill.com</a>, Black Cow - Newburyport <a href="http://www.blackcowrestauarnts.com" target="_blank">www.blackcowrestauarnts.com</a>, and Tuscan Sea Grill &amp; Bar <a href="http://www.tuscanseagrillbar.com" target="_blank">www.tuscanseagrillbar.com</a>. Just a PSA, though - with the long Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend, Newburyport will be *HOPPIN’*, so reservations well in advance should be part of your pre-show dining plan. Check out <a href="www.compaqbigband.com" target="_blank">www.compaqbigband.com</a> and <a href="http://www.anaisreno.com" target="_blank">www.anaisreno.com</a>. ‘Like’ the CBB, ‘Anaïs Reno’, and ‘Byfield Community Arts Center’ on Facebook. Follow @anaisrenojazz on Instagram. #CompaqBigBand #BigBand #Jazz #Swing #Nightlife #LiveMusic #Concert #JazzMusic #SwingMusic #SwingDance #SwingDancing #BostonMA #NorthShoreMA #ByfieldCommunityArtsCenter #ByfieldMA #NewburyMA #NewburyportMA #IpswichMA #GrovelandMA #EssexMA #RowleyMA #AnaisReno #AnaisRenoJazz

Byfield Community Arts Center

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Avina Gedler at Swing City!

*** SWING DANCING IS BACK!!! *** Join us when the Compaq Big Band returns to New England’s longest running - and in our opinion *THE BEST* - public swing dance in the region, Swing City! The date is Saturday October 5th. Same spacious dance floor in the West Cambridge Youth Center located at 680 Huron Avenue in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Our last gig there was February 29, 2020 – just days before the Covid lockdown, and we are beyond pumped to be one of the first bands invited to return. The band plays 9:00pm-12:00am. *FREE* Charleston workshop 6:30pm-8:00pm. Group-friendly beginner swing dance lesson 8:00pm-9:00pm (no admittance to lesson after 8:15pm, please) included in admission to the dance – both with great instructors! Come early and stay all evening, or just drop by later for the last couple of sets if you’d like. More info at <a href="http://www.swingcityboston.com">www.swingcityboston.com</a>. Cover just $20pp! Cash Only, please. Plenty of free parking, on street or in the small lot across the road. Situated on the northwestern side of Cambridge, only 3.5 miles from the Alewife ‘T’ station - easy access via Route 2 from points north, south, and west of Boston. 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. Casual clothing with proper shoes for the dance floor are fine. Vintage attire is totally optional. Wear what’s comfy for you. 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 to environment to dip your toe in the water. Out in front of the band on stage that evening we’ll have the latest addition to our rotation of incredible regional jazz vocalists, the ultra-talented Aviana Gedler - a rising jazz star in Boston making her Massachusetts debut with us! You’ll love swingin’ to her channelin’ of Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, Peggy Lee, Tierney Sutton, and more. Plus, we'll do some very cool swing instrumentals. 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 currently studies at the New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts with Dominique Eade and Ran Blake, where she enjoys collaborating with other musicians and performing in the New England area. Since our first appearance 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 mixed in. Those great sets of swing will, of course, contain several original arrangements of compositions from the Golden Age of big bands that anchor the evening, but we’ll enhance the dance as only the Compaq Big Band can by mixing in some more modern - 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 an organized, no-nonsense approach to minimizing the time between tunes. Also note that we’re an authentic, 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, set up and operated from start to finish of the event by our very experienced, full-time engineer. That means you’ll hear Aviana, 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 big bands. Check out <a href="www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a> and <a href="https://avigedler.wixsite.com/aviana">https://avigedler.wixsite.com/aviana</a>. 'Like' the CBB, ‘Aviana Gedler’, and 'Swing City' on Facebook. Follow @avianagedler on Instagram.

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Ed Scheer from Boston's 'The Love Dogs' Featured at FREE Norwood 'Concerts On The Common'

The 19-piece Compaq Big Band can’t wait to kick off another busy summer concert season, and for the second year in a row we’re doing just that at the hugely popular ‘Concerts On The Common’ summer series in Norwood, Massachusetts, Massachusetts on Sunday July 7th. The venue is the Walter J. Dempsey Memorial Bandstand on the Norwood Town Common. This is a FREE outdoor concert, open to all - just bring a blanket and/or lawn chair. The concert is weather permitting only. The show runs 6:30pm to 8:30pm. 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 2024 we’re eager to be back on the calendar as one of FIVE 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 a state-of-the-art sound system plus our full-time sound engineer. All brought together with an absolute passion for technical production detail. Fronting the band on July 7th will be Ed Scheer, founder and leader of Boston’s ‘The Love Dogs’. Ed will be channelin’ Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darri, Michael Buble, 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, as well. Check out <a href="http://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a> and <a href="http://www.thelovedogs.com">www.thelovedogs.com</a>. Like the band and ‘The Love Dogs’ on Facebook!

Norwood Town Common

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Special Guest Vocalist Anaïs Reno at City Winery

The 19-piece Compaq Big Band has played for some awesome Christmas show audiences at Boston’s prestigious City Winery, and we wanted our first ‘warm weather gig’ there to be another memorable night of jazz. It will be that! On Sunday May 19th we are not just privileged to return, but thrilled to feature jazz vocalist Anaïs Reno out front as our very special guest – her first public performance in Boston! A rising star in her hometown of New York City - and far beyond - 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”. And, we’ll round out the evening with a few tasty instrumental arrangements from the likes of Chris Walden, Callum Au, and Gordon Goodwin. The show runs 7:30pm-9:30pm. Reserved Seating only, with tickets $32 - $38 per person, depending on section selected <a href="https://citywinery.com/boston/events/compaq-big-band-va6qs9?from=https://citywinery.com/boston/events">https://citywinery.com/boston/events/compaq-big-band-va6qs9?from=https://citywinery.com/boston/events</a>. Walk-ins welcomed as space permits. Doors open 5:30pm. 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 <a href="http://WWW.CITYWINERY.COM/BOSTON">WWW.CITYWINERY.COM/BOSTON</a> ONLY! WE’LL TAKE DOWN FRAUDSTERS’ COMMENTS, AND BLOCK &amp; REPORT THEM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE *** Both of Anaïs’ CDs will be available for purchase on May 19th, and we’re beyond excited to also offer a City Winery Artist Wine with custom-designed label for the event. Unsigned merchandise will be on sale before the show, during intermission, and upon exit from the music room. The perfect exclamation point to the evening will be a separately ticketed, post-show Meet &amp; Greet with Anaïs and some of the band, where both signed CDs and bottles of the Artist Wine will be available for purchase. Admission $25 - see ticketing link above. A complimentary glass of City Bubbles is included (21 and over). Anaïs Reno 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 in her junior year 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 has just been released and is titled “Anaïs Reno at PizzaExpress Live - in London“ – recorded last year at the iconic club’s trendy Soho flagship location. She’s currently working on a new album project with noted jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein planned for release later in 2024. To get a tiny sample of what you’re in for on May 19th, take a listen to a couple small-group jazz tracks from Anaïs’ first album that - we’ll be doing full big band arrangements of these on May 19th: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bxGPJ3mncM&amp;list=OLAK5uy_kHm45Cra7FSia4UlomWi_YrbNBo2P6cMw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bxGPJ3mncM&amp;list=OLAK5uy_kHm45Cra7FSia4UlomWi_YrbNBo2P6cMw</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTf7uQMLB4Q&amp;list=OLAK5uy_kHm45Cra7FSia4UlomWi_YrbNBo2P6cMw&amp;index=4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTf7uQMLB4Q&amp;list=OLAK5uy_kHm45Cra7FSia4UlomWi_YrbNBo2P6cMw&amp;index=4</a>. The Compaq Big Band is one of the longest continuously operating large-format jazz ensembles in New England. Formed in 1975, the group has performed for hundreds of clients across the region and beyond, impressing crowds at swing dances, gala celebrations, nonprofit fundraisers, music festivals, summer concerts, and legendary Boston area music venues. It features the power of 14 horns, a cookin’ rhythm section, accomplished instrumental soloists, a rotation of outstanding regional vocalists, one of the most exciting ‘books’ in New England, and an unrivaled passion for technical production. Among the band’s many accomplishments are a 10-day/7-gig tour of the United Kingdom, producing and warming up for sold out shows of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, and several concerts featuring international high jazz trumpet virtuoso Wayne Bergeron. Their two commercial CDs – “Bandwidth” and “Hard Drive” - are played on New England Jazz National Public Radio, BBC2 in the United Kingdom, and Swedish public radio jazz programs. Check out <a href="http://www.compaqbigband.com/">www.compaqbigband.com</a> and <a href="http://www.anaisreno.com/">www.anaisreno.com</a>, and ‘Like’ the CBB, ‘Anaïs Reno’, ‘City Winery Boston’ on Facebook. Follow @anaisrenojazz on Instragram. If you don’t know CW, you should - explore citywinery.com/boston and ‘City Winery Boston’ on Facebook. Terrific sight lines, phenomenal sound system, chill atmosphere, and a great selection of sustenance &amp; libation - all brought to you by the coolest, nicest staff and management in Boston. They are 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. See the FAQs page on the City Winery web site for parking info.

19-Piece Compaq Big Band w/ Vocalist Rebecca Holtz Sanctuary Dance Night

Not exactly Spring Fever given the recent snow, but we’re getting REALLY close! On the heels of three consecutive Sold Out shows there, the Compaq Big Band has been itchin’ to get back to ultra-cool Sanctuary - Event and Live Music Venue in Maynard, Massachusetts for a night of dancing on Friday May 3rd! This program will be all swing - mostly medium, several a little slower (foxtrot), and a few quick ones. Of course, you can just come and just listen, and there’s a wonderful, cozy full bar. Also, feel free to bring in takeaway fare from local downtown Maynard restaurants. This is SUCH a hip venue architecturally, with equally hip ownership, event management, and bartenders! Yes, the band fits (just barely), and even though we LOVE their Meyer subs and mains, it won’t be too loud 😉 Just great dancers, super energy, chill vibe, all in a very cool space. The show runs 8:00pm-10:30pm. Admission is $25pp in advance and $30pp at the door. Advance ticket purchase is STRONGLY encouraged by going to [<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-compaq-big-band-tickets-873393482417?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-compaq-big-band-tickets-873393482417?aff=oddtdtcreator)">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-compaq-big-band-tickets-873393482417?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-compaq-big-band-tickets-873393482417?aff=oddtdtcreator)</a> - all of our shows have SOLD OUT QUICKLY! Doors open at 7:00pm. All seating is General Admission. Walk-ins welcomed, but only as space permits. Sanctuary is located at 82 Main Street, in the heart of Downtown Maynard, with plenty of free, on-street or municipal lot parking. The Compaq Big Band has a strong connection to Maynard, having started out as the DECbigband at the former Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) headquarters downtown in 1975. The May 3rd show will feature dynamic jazz vocalist Rebecca Holtz out in front, channelin’ Diane Schuur, Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, and other greats. As if that’s not enough, the band will sprinkle in a few instrumental features from the big bands of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Chris Walden, Tom Kubis, Callum Au, Sammy Nestico. Check out <a href="http://www.compaqbigband.com">www.compaqbigband.com</a> and <a href="http://www.sanctuarymaynard.com">www.sanctuarymaynard.com</a>, and ‘Like’ the CBB and Sanctuary on Facebook.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

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