The Townsmen Orchestra, Cleveland, Ohio

Our group was founded in 1957 as an all Afro-American reflective of the times back in the day. Since 1964 our group has been integrated with the only criteria being a common love of "Big Band" music. Our Music Director, Jesse Dandy is in the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. He has performed with many great groups including Cab Calloway's Orchestra. Many of our arrangements are by former band leader, the late Willie Smith. Mr. Smith has been a major contributor to many musicians including Mr. Joe Lavono. He was also and arranger for Motown and Lionel Hampton. We have over 100 arrangements of his in our library. We have performed contioniously in the Cleveland area. Former members of the legendary Townsmen Orchestra have gone directly to Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie among many notable groups of that time. This strong tradition has continued with recognition including Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones, State of Ohio from Govenor Strickland, Ohio State Senate and Mayor Frank Jackson for our service to the community. We have continue to perform for major events including of the Legacy Village Concert Series, Who's Who in Black Cleveland, NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner, Cleveland Museum of Art and Fox 8 Morning Show. Jazz Historian Joe Mosbrook dis a special regarding our history on 7/13/09 on WCPN National Public Radio in Cleveland. You can review this event by "Googling" Townsmen Orchestra. We can be found on our website www.thetownsmenorchestra.com, facebook and myspace. We are open for opportunities and our rates are negotiable.