"Music with a Melody for Dancers who like to swing"

The Little Big Band, a rockford favorite for over 10 years now, was started in 1997 by Ken Stein & Jack Brand. Ken, who plays tenor, alto, clarinet & flute and drummer Jack Brand, solicited the writing skills of trombonist Cary Sheley, added pianist Al Feeney, bassist, Guy Fiorenza & the group was formed. Currently Tom Stein may be heard on piano and Dave Sterner shares the drummer duties. Ken Kilian, who plays alto, bari, clarinet & flute and trumpeter Randy Schneeberger were added to more accurately convey the "Big Band" sound of the 30's & 40's. The band plays predominately a big band/swing repertoire, but it has numerous arrangements for latin, funk, rock, blues & jazz. The arrangements were written by Cary Sheley especially for the instrumentation. It gives you that "Big Band" sound from a smaller, more affordable, group. The group features either Michelle Duvall (from Madison WI) or Shelia Cottral (from Hanover, IL) on vocals. They both do a great job singing with the band. The band is typically booked with 8 pieces (band & vocals). But for a more modest budget the group can be reduced to 6 pieces (band & vocals).