Benjamin Lockshin, 16, a student at the Davidson Academy of Nevada, will be presenting a clarinet recital Saturday, August 22, at 4:00 PM in Nightingale Concert Hall at the University of Nevada, Reno. Benjamin is a student of Dr. David Ehrke and the winner of the 2009 Reno Philharmonic Youth Symphony Orchestra Concerto Contest where he is also the principal clarinetist. In addition, he is the first place recipient of this years All State Command Performance event. The recital will feature solos, duets and trios and include works by Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Gordon Jacobs, Vaughn Williams and others. The concert is free. At Benjamin’s request, donations will be accepted to benefit the Reno Big Band Education Program which provides free private instrumental music lessons to deserving Washoe County School District students. This is going to be a wonderful performance by an extremely gifted and accomplished young artist for a very worthy cause.. Please don’t miss it!

On Sunday afternoon, June 28th, a swing concert and dance will be presented by the Reno Big Band. The band’s vocalist, Jakki Ford, will be appearing along with special guest , the preeminent popular pianist, Big Tiny Little. The event will take place upstairs in the beautiful Siena Ballroom which has magnificent views overlooking the Truckee Meadows. The room’s use has been generously donated be the Siena’s owner. In addition, all band members and performing artist are providing their talent free of charge. As a result, 100% of the proceeds from the affair will go directly to the Reno Big Band’s educational program which sponsors private professional music lessons for deserving Washoe School District music students.
There will also be a special Swing Dance Contest open to all couples and trophies and prizes will be awarded to the the top three winners. Doors open at 2:30PM and the fun lasts until 5PM. Click on the Events Calendar tab above for further details.

A benefit for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada featuring the Reno Big Band will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Bliss, 4th & Valley Road, Reno, Nevada. The event will take place from 4:00 PM till 6:30 PM and the admission charge is $15 per person or $25 for couples. Refreshments will be served and a cash bar is available. Come enjoy live music, dancing and an auction to help the Food Bank meet the increasing demands for help during these tough times. There’s no better way to shake off a recession than by dancing to the music of the big band era sounds of Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Glen Miller, Duke Ellington and more. A free “Introduction to Swing” dance lesson will be offered by professional instructors from Dancin’ Performing Arts Center. Reno Big Band’s vocalist, Jakki Ford, will be the featured artist. Tickets are available at the gate and also may be purchased at Maytan Music or Recycled Records.

The Reno Big Band will kick off it’s 2009 fund raising program with their second annual “Sunday in the Park” event at the California building in Idlewild Park on May 10th, 2009.  The venue is located at  lOOO Whitmore Lane in Reno, Nevada.  Ballroom dancing, a silent auction and an ongoing raffle will highlight the activities to take place from three till five in the afternoon.  Food and beverages will be available.  Jakki Ford will be featured on vocals along with the swinging Reno Big Band.  Discounted ticket prices are offered to couples, seniors, youths and For The Love Of Jazz Members.  Proceeds are dedicated to help fund the RBB educational and live performance programs.  Come listen and dance to the Reno Big Band featuring vocalist Jakki Ford.  Doors open at 2:30 PM.  A great opportunity for Moms to step out on this very special Sunday!

The Reno Big Band recently joined forces with the Reno High School Music Department in support of the annual band program fund raiser.  The event took place in the Ballroom of the Sands Regency Hotel and Casino in downtown Reno.  Cody Forcier, Reno High band director is also a longtime member of the Reno Big Band.  So…in addition to conducting the Reno High Concert and Stage Bands, he played a couple of tunes on bass trombone with the professional band.  The concert also featured performances by students of Frank Perry, Reno Big Band’s lead alto saxophone player and educational director.   The program concluded with the Reno Big Band presenting a straight ahead big band jazz concert that included several exciting vocals by the band’s featured singer, the dynamic Jakki Ford.  Said Cody, “There were many more people here than last year and our presentation was well received by all.  The event was a huge success and we really appreciate the significant contribution made by the Reno Big Band.”