Akron's wildly popular big band returns to the BLU Zone with a night full of Latin jazz from the libraries of Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Don Ellis, Woody Herman & more, featuring special guest vocalist, Shannon Eller!
Trumpeter & bandleader David Banks has returned to the Northeast Ohio area after a twenty-year career in Las Vegas, Nevada. He performed in numerous top production shows – including six years with the “City Lights” Show at the Flamingo Hilton and the “Moulin Rouge” at the Las Vegas Hilton. He also worked with virtually every major entertainer in show business on the famous Las Vegas Strip and also was a member of the renowned Lou Elias Relief Orchestra. He was also a member of the Nevada Symphony Orchestra, The Las Vegas Philharmonic, and the Nevada Chamber Orchestra.
Since his return to the area, David has been on the faculty of Walsh Jesuit High School and is in his 19th year teaching music and drama. He is in demand as a lead trumpeter in Northeast Ohio, performing regularly with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, having recorded CDs with them as well as CDs for the Paul Ferguson Orchestra, Ernie Krivda, and Helen Welch.
Dave has served as Lead Trumpet in several shows at Playhouse Square, E.J. Thomas Hall, The Carousel Dinner Theatre and Porthouse Theater performing for professional productions of “Anything Goes,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Brigadoon,” “Chicago,” “Parade,” “The Producers,” “Ragtime,” “42nd Street,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Hairspray,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Sweet Charity,” “West Side Story,” “Swing,” and “All Shook Up” to name a few.
About Shannon Eller
Shannon Eller is one of Northeast Ohio’s accomplished and diverse jazz/pop vocalists known for her “full, easy vocal style”. Shannon’s wide vocal range and vast ability to sing various styles and genres allows her to create fresh musical arrangements and original tunes. Her charming and passionate delivery enables Shannon to develop a strong and intimate connection with her audiences.