First Ladies of Song- The Dave Banks Big Band Featuring Sandra Montevideo

On November 20th at 8pm at BLU Jazz+ in Akron,  the Dave Banks Big Band and vocalist Sandra Montevideo present the music of dynamic female vocalists throughout the history of the American Songbook. You will hear songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Keely Smith, Vickie Carr, Shirley Bassey, Peggy Lee, Diane Schurr, Ann Margret and Linda Ronstadt! The show will also feature music by the powerhouse, 17 piece Dave Banks Big Band and a special musical salute to the band's drummer Mark Gonder, who recently passed away.

The Dave Banks Big Band is a powerhouse, 17-piece big band based in the Midwest, now in its 25th year of making music. The band includes the region’s top musicians and is led by Ohio native and 20-year Las Vegas veteran trumpet artist, Dave Banks. Dave’s desire is to bring some of that Las Vegas excitement to his audiences! They have performed in major theatres and clubs across five states. Their vast library of music ranges from swing and contemporary big band, Sinatra, rock, soul and pop. Dave fronts the band with his soaring trumpet, reminding audiences of the sounds of Doc Severinsen, Maynard Ferguson and Harry James. They utilize some of the most talented frontline singers and tribute artists in the region along with musical arrangers that are among the best in the business. They have backed entertainers such as Las Vegas Rat Pack Shows, The Temptations, Four Tops, Sal Valentinetti, and more, and frequently present their themed shows for theatres, casinos, and corporate events across the midwest.

Sandra Montevideo is the darling of the Northeast Ohio musical theatre community; she has starred in countless regional Broadway musicals over her illustrious career at venues like Porthouse Theatre, Cain Park and Weathervane Theatre.