Sandy Sasso and Her Little Big Band Coming to the Watchung Arts Center

At the age of 12, Sandy Sasso heard Dave Brubeck's "Take Five". "For me that was 'the' moment. I found the music so intriguing. It was like nothing I had ever heard. Don't get me wrong, I was just a kid and I loved my rock and roll, but I managed to listen to jazz whenever it was around".

Vocalist Sandy Sasso brings her “Little Big Band” to the Watchung Arts Center on Saturday, November 12 at 8PM as part of the Center’s “JaZZ in the Gallery” series. Appearing with Ms. Sasso will be band members Ted Brancato on piano; bassist Mike Carino; drummer Dennis Nardone; Dennis Truncillito and Frank Grasso on trumpet; trombonists Danny Hall and Carl Della Perutta; Warren Fioretti, tenor saxophone; Rich Kraus, alto saxophone; and Lenny Klinker, baritone saxophone. The evening will include a dessert reception, affording an opportunity to meet Ms. Sasso and the band.

Sandy Sasso “has garnered a widespread reputation as a first rate vocalist.," according to a NJ Jazz Society review. She began performing in clubs and auditioning for band gigs while a voice/piano major at Westminster Choir College. Early on, she landed an audition with a local big band that opened the doors to her strong big band style. . Sasso says, “My love for my jazz work is always first and foremost, but I love the energy of my big bands. \

An internationally-known artist, Sandy tours world-wide, while keeping her performance base in New York City, with everything from small jazz combos to 17 piece big bands. Sandy sings with and for the best in the business: jazz legends, presidents, entertainment giants, and some of the best road bands traveling today, including the Dorsey, Goodman, Riddle and Pops big bands. She currently has four CD's to her credit, with two more in the works.

In addition to performing, Sandy has been a sought-after vocal coach and piano teacher for over three decades. She also shares the love and joy of music with her children's choir. Originally started by Sandy almost twelve years ago, this wonderful little choir, ages 6 to 13 continues to grow. "It is such a great feeling”, she says, “to see these young ones raising their voices in a spiritual setting."

Tickets are $18 in advance, $22 ($20 WAC members, $10 students) at the door. Tickets may be purchased online at watchungartscenter.eventbrite.com, or by mailing a check to the Watchung Arts Center. Please include an email address with your ticket order. To obtain more information about upcoming performances, classes and workshops, and monthly art exhibitions, please visit WatchungArts.org or call 908-753-0190.

The Watchung Arts Center, located at 18 Stirling Road in Watchung on the Watchung Circle, is a multi-disciplinary arts facility serving Watchung, the surrounding communities and the Tri-State Area.