The John Trapani Big Band
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  • Past Shows
    • December 2013: 25th and Final, Annual "Big Band Christmas Magic" Show (GlenOak High School Theater)
    • December 2012: 24th Annual "Big Band Christmas" Show (GlenOak High School Theater)
    • December 2011: 23rd Annual "Big Band Christmas" Show (GlenOak High School Theater)
    • December 2010: 22nd Annual "Big Band Christmas" Show (GlenOak High School Theater)
    • December 2009: 21st Annual "Big Band Christmas" Show (GlenOak High School Theater)
    • December 2008: 20th Annual "Big Band Christmas" Show (GlenOak High School Theater)
    • November 2007: 19th Annual "Big Band Christmas" Show (Palace Theatre, Canton, OH)
    • December 2006: 18th Annual "Big Band Christmas Magic" Show (Palace Theatre, Canton, OH)
    • July 2007: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra (Wheeling, WV)
    • April 2007: Swing Into Spring (Wheeling, WV)


"Recreating the original arrangements of the great names in Big Band music" is the crystallizing idea around which The John Trapani Big Band has built and sustained its reputation. People love Big Band music, and they love to hear their cherished favorites performed the way that the were made famous. From Glenn Miller, Harry James, Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey, and Stan Kenton ... not to mention the Big Band royalty of the King (of Swing, Benny Goodman), the Count (Basie) and the Duke (Ellington) ... The John Trapani Big Band provides welcomed nostalgia as it performs the famous Big Band classics.

Directed by Dr. John G. Trapani, Jr., a Philosophy Professor and Chair of the Humanities Division at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, the 17-piece Big Band began in April of 1977. Today, the band's repertoire of the original arrangements of Big Band classics has grown to over 350 titles. While bandleader Trapani plays the trumpet hits of Harry James, Bunny Berigan, and Ray Anthony, other soloists and vocalists in the band perform many of the original solos and vocal stylings of other great-name bandleaders and famous vocalists.

For twenty years (1981-2000), John and his band performed an annual "Glenn Miller Tribute" Concert. Each December, the band continues its tradition (since 1989) of performing its "Big Band Christmas Magic" Show. From concerts and periodic dances, to benefit and outdoor summer concerts and private bookings, the band maintains an active performance schedule.

High points in the band's 30 year career include its 1987 concert with Connie Haines, original vocalist with Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey, and its 1990 TV-special, "In The Mood," taped by WEAO/WNEO for viewing throughout northeast Ohio. In 2000, The John Trapani Big Band made a live recording of its 20th annual "Glenn Miller Tribute" Concert, released a CD titled "Thanks For The Memories." In April of 2005 and again in October of 2006, the band performed a live show with the Canton Ballet, "CB Swings."

email: john "at" johntrapanibigband.com

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