Now in its 16th year of bringing its unique blend of traditional big band and contemporary jazz arrangements to the summer venues of Michigan’s beautiful southwest region, the LAKE EFFECT JAZZ BIG BAND has become one of the premier big bands in the Midwest.  This season, the band will be performing music from the classic big band libraries of jazz artists like Buddy Rich and Count Basie, and also showcasing the sounds of more contemporary ensembles and composers like Pat Metheny, Gordon Goodwin, Tom Kubis, and John Fedchock.  The Lake Effect Jazz Big Band is committed to preserving the uniquely American art form of big band jazz.   

The band is led by Steven L. Reed, retired instrumental music teacher for the St. Joseph Public Schools, where he taught jazz ensemble, orchestra, and band for 35 years.  Several members of the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band are current or retired music educators and jazz education is a priority for the LEJBB.

The musicians in the band’s ranks include on saxophones: Andrea Gentry (Alto), Anne Jensen (Alto), Tim King (Alto/Tenor), Christopher Keech (Tenor), Jeff Bopp (Tenor), and Rob Funk (Bari). Trombonists are Cheryl Thomas, Carl Steffens, Mary Lynn Edwards, Tom Farrand, and Brad Jensen (Bass Trombone). Trumpets are Steve Bizoe, Kevin Renfro, Sara Bopp, Tom Crowner, and Steven Reed.   The rhythm section is comprised of Kim McCavit (Keyboard), Dustin Lowe (Guitar), Doug Wegscheid (Bass) Joe Trojan and Chuck Hartzell (Percussion).  Our vocalist, Michelle Bythrow, is on leave this summer so the band will be featuring several local jazz singers at various times over the season.  

The band performs between twelve and fifteen concerts each summer including Jazz Festivals, feature presentations at Lake Michigan College and Andrews University, full length concerts at the Box Factory in St. Joseph, and outdoor venues in Southwest Michigan cities and townships.  Featured artists that have performed with the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band include vocalists Michelle Bythrow, Paul Mow, and Katie Rohrer, as well as local trombonist Ed Bagatini and Chicago vibraphonist Jim Cooper.  

For more information about the LAKE EFFECT JAZZ BIG BAND, please go to www.lakeeffectjazz.org, or look us up on Facebook.