About Reno Big Band

The Reno Big Band’s leader and founder, Bruce Cox, is a former casino show band professional musician. In 2002, being aware of the tremendous pool of accomplished players located in and around the northern Nevada area, Bruce formed the Reno Big Band (RBB).

Many RBB members are alumni of some very famous big bands. Most simply got tired of being “on the road” and relocated to Reno or Lake Tahoe to settle down with steady gigs in the area’s many casino showrooms. This was the time when almost every casino had a house show band and also featured multiple small groups performing in the lounges. Work was plentiful and pay was lucrative. As the situation changed, playing opportunities diminished.

Enter Bruce Cox and the Reno Big Band!

A chance to play with a roaring big band with some of the nation’s most accomplished and gifted musicians. Bruce handpicked each member and introduced his exciting new band to jazz and swing fans at Ryan’s Saloon and Broiler on a Tuesday evening in April, 2002. Since then the band has performed almost every Tuesday night and is currently featured at the Third Street nightclub in downtown Reno. RBB starts swinging at 8:00 PM each Tuesday evening and plays exciting big band jazz until at least 10:00 PM. There is no cover charge or minimum drink requirement and the band often features special guest artists. RBB’s vocalist, Jakki Ford, also appears on a regular basis. Jakki is a favorite of the fans and always adds a special elegance to the group.

In 2002 the Reno Big Band was granted non-profit (501C) status and established the mission “to keep live music alive” in the northern Nevada region. Since then, in addition to several very high profile performances, the band has successfully completed two major benefit concerts raising money to help insure the continuance of the University of Nevada “Pride of the Sierra” marching band. Proceeds are also used to further RBB’s educational program which provides scholarships to worthy local music students.

The Reno Big Band continues to seek out projects that will benefit the community while providing performance opportunities for its members and affiliates. We welcome inquiries from other non-profit organizations. If you are involved with a worthwhile cause and would like to partner-up with a motivated group of professional musicians capable of providing exciting crowd pleasing entertainment, we’re your band!