High powered 17-piece big band performs the music of Basie, Ellington, Buddy, Thad & Mel, Maynard, Kenton, Woody & more in swingin' BLU debut!
In the tradition of the great large Jazz ensembles of the last half of the 20th century, the Skatch Anderssen Orchestra began carving its own niche into the Northeast Ohio area musical landscape around 1990. Every Monday night, this powerhouse 17-piece big band performs music of Basie, Ellington, Buddy, Thad & Mel, Maynard, Kenton, Woody and many more at the historic Brother's Lounge on West 117th & Detroit in Cleveland, Ohio.
A typical Monday night is anything but at Brother's Lounge! You'll hear some fantastic music that you won't find anywhere else. Each week features a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear something incredibly special. In 2017, the SAO featured some of the best local area high school jazz ensembles, and visiting guest artists such as Bill Bodine, Tamir Hendleman, Sherry Luchette, Maria Jacobs and more. Special theme nights featuring a Big Band / Latin Jazz fusion ensemble and a night of historic selections by Thad Jones & Mel Lewis in a tribute to the Village Vanguard's 51st anniversary as well as the end-of-the-year "SAO Christmas Extravaganzza!" were among several fan favorites that packed the house. 2018 will feature more exciting theme nights to remember, so plan on making Monday nights your favorite night out!
Bandleaders Eric Dregne and Scott McKee's intention is to enlist the finest musicians for the SAO to guarantee you will hear a high-powered, high quality performance of many of the tunes you know (and some you may not but are sure to enjoy). With the mindset of playing a wide array of music and featuring the best possible musicians around, the SAO has gained a steady following in Cleveland and surrounding areas. Not content with playing only the standards of the big band golden era, the SAO features many compositions of local composers and arrangers along with more recent popular artists such as Gordon Goodwin and Alan Baylock.
The SAO has played weddings, private parties and benefits, and was a featured ensemble in performances at Cleveland State University and Playhouse Square's Summer Series. The SAO has also served behind many local area favorites like Rick and Sharona, featuring show style performances reminiscent of days when Frank Sinatra performed with The Count Basie Orchestra at The Sands Hotel in Las Vegas.
The Skatch Anderssen Orchestra is available for club dates, weddings, society and formal engagements, swing dances, outdoor performances and special events. A scaled down 6-piece version of the group is available for more intimate settings. For society jobs, the SAO will play the the swingin’ arrangements of familiar Jazz Standards that people love to hear & dance to.
The vision for this group is to appeal to as many people as possible and the library of the band exemplifies that. With a wealth of influences ranging from artists such as Thad Jones/Mel Lewis (now known as The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra), Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Gordon Goodwin, Count Basie and Duke Ellington, the eclectic nature comes out in each SAO performance.
Join us as this swingin’ top-notch big band makes their BLU debut – get your tickets now!