Music
A few of the groups I play with most often, with tracks and videos from each.
Jump to: Exo-Blu Collective · Big Band Reunion · Water City Jazz Orchestra · Platinum
The Exo-Blu Collective is a swinging, hard bop project led by Adam Du Vall and longtime friend and collaborator Mitch Borchardt. The music features original compositions and arrangements which draw heavily on classic albums of the 1950’s and 1960’s by artists such as Art Blakey, Horace Silver, and Wayne Shorter. The sextet has some of Northeast Wisconsin’s most talented musicians, and strives to play engaging, fresh music which inherits from some of jazz’s golden age.
Lineup
- Alto saxMitch Borchardt
- Tenor saxAdam Du Vall
- TrumpetMarty Robinson
- PianoMike Kubicki
- BassAndy Mertens
- DrumsMike Malone
“Toe tappin’ finger snappin’ smile makin’ music.” The Big Band Reunion was founded in 1991 by Lawrence University music professors Bob Levy (trumpet) and Nick Keelan (trombone), both seasoned big band players, to give Fox Valley musicians a weekly place to play and to keep the big band sound alive. It is a not-for-profit association of area musicians and music educators.
The 17-piece band (five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, bass, drums and guitar, sometimes joined by a vocalist) covers everything from big band era classics to current charts: jazz, blues, swing, Latin, pop and contemporary.
Beyond its weekly residency, the band plays community events, private and corporate functions, and weddings.
Most Mondays, September–May Cranky Pat's Pizza, Neenah · summers off
“Swingin’ in Oshkosh since 2015!” The Water City Jazz Orchestra is a big band co-directed by trumpeter Kurt Shipe and drummer Mike Malone, who first played together in the GRAMMY-nominated Jazz Ensemble I at UW–Eau Claire. After both settled in Oshkosh, they set out to bring a younger voice to the Fox Valley’s big band scene, gathering some of the area’s finest players from a wide range of backgrounds. The orchestra is also committed to jazz education, regularly working with young students to get them excited about the music.
Last Monday of the month Fletch's Local Tap House, Oshkosh
Platinum is a high-energy show band of 10 to 17 musicians, playing luxury weddings, corporate galas, and private celebrations. The set list runs from swing and standards through Motown, 70s and 80s hits, and today's pop, with a full light show and stage production to match. The band has been named Best Band by Wisconsin Bride Magazine three years in a row.
Platinum is booked through ACA Entertainment, so if you're a couple or event planner, the full artist page, with song lists, photos, video, and booking, lives on ACA's site.