Now in its 30th year, the 14-piece (pianist-vocalist), 15-piece (female scatting jazz vocalist) to 16-piece (with stand alone male vocalist and scatting jazz female vocalist) Rex Allen Big Band is the only nationally known Swing band headquartered in the Bay Area. They have done three national tours.
The Rex Allen Big Band has headlined “theme” cruises for Royal Cruise, Admiral and Sun Line cruises and has shared stages with singing stars Connie Haines, Helen Forrest, Andy Russell, Dick Haymes, Jr. and vocal groups The Modernaires and The Pied Pipers. John Hoffman (Tommy Dorsey Band vocalist) is still performing and is often available with The Rex Allen Big Band.
PSA Magazine describes trombonist, vibist, drummer, percussionist Allen as, “One of the brightest young stars of jazz.” and Los Angeles Times jazz writer Leonard Feather calls Allen, “a splendid trombonist.” KCSM Radio host and producer Bud Spangler says, “A+ to you for programming and presentation. A ‘killer-diller’ show!”.
Mr. Allen plays four instruments in concert–drums, trombone, vibes and congas–and is a huge hit at every DLE private dance party and convention event. The Rex Allen Big Band features outstanding pianist-vocalist, Tom Lyles.
They are available in Sonoma, Napa, Monterey, the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and anywhere in the U.S.