• MUSIC •
(Clockwise from top) Members of the band jam: at back, Alex Gambrel, Peter Eratostene, in front from left, Martin Matuszczak, Joey Martel and Sean Sydney. Artistic director Zygmunt Jedrzejek; and Alex Heatherington, Donovan Locke and Meagan Luchko croon into the microphone. >> tions
are held in October and April. Players are chosen not only for their musical skill, but also their personality and ability to get along with the other musicians and vocalists. “You have to have a personality that fits the band,” Jedrzejek says. “It’s a team effort. Prima donnas are difficult to deal with. Touring throughout Ontario and the U.S., the band performs as many as 80 concerts a year. The non-profit organization drives its own bus and is responsible for setting up its own equipment. Recent gigs include the Glenn Miller festival in Clarinda, Iowa – the famed musician’s birth place, the Snowbird Extravaganza in Florida and the Muskoka Lakes Music Festival. “We try to emulate what the Big Band era has done,” says Jedrzejek. “We’ve brought in people who played during the Big Band era, like jazz clarinet player Buddy DeFranco and Tonight Show with John Carson band leader Doc Severinsen.”
Luchko advises anyone looking to audition to be ready to work hard, however, the rewards are plentiful. “I do love the travel,” she admits. “It’s good experience to get out to different places in the world.” In April, the Etobicoke-based group presents its annual scholarship show in memory of longtime friend, fan and volunteer Scotty Woods, who passed away in March 2012 at the age of 88. The band plays lots of weddings, private functions and outdoor concerts. Critics have been known to refer to the band as “amazing” with “infectious energy.” GL For further information or to hire the Toronto All-Star Big Band, call 416-231-5695 or visit www.torontoallstarbigband.com GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 59