19 Broadway Swing Band

Led by 19broadway partner Garry Graham (who had to buy the club to get the gig) this could be the most entertaining 12 piece band you have seen. Its not just about the music. Its a place where fun abounds and old friends meet new friends. After every gig a gang of 25 plus gathers for dinner at a local restuarant.

This gig is where music and fun collide.
Garry on piano is joined by his brother Jerry Spolter on guitar. the two of them sing a variety of songs and you can count on them to sing their mothers favorite songs. Whether you like it or not. The band is formed around a quartet with john lewis on bass and Fred Torisi on drums. Unlike most bios who tout who everyone played with let me tell you these cats can just flat out play. Both are old school and know where the bones are buried. John is an 84 year old swinging cat who has been playing five intruments for 70 years. And as for our drummer Fred Torrisi how about this story. Father Fred taught Jerry Spolter at St Ignatius High when Fred was a priest. Well Fred now 77 is no longer a priest but a very happily married man married to the former nun lovely rosemary and the have two very gifted muscian children.

The rest of the band consists of some fine muscians and some strange cats. For example we also invite the very hip and classy John Halverson to play steel drums during the second set. Who cant dance to “SPANISH EYES”

On flute is Phil Diamond. Phil is a real pro. quick story. Jon Steiner, a brilliant guitar player,played the first sunday of the month for many years at 19broadway. Phil played in Jon’s quartet. John passed away a year ago and in his memory the 19broadway swing/ variety band was born. The band always tips the hat to Jon and Chuck day and others close to us who have let us. Such is life!

Our horn section consists of Dave Bergan(THE ALLIGATOR) on pocket trumpet,and vibes,Dan Smith on tenor sax and greg Ellberg on trumpet.

Each deserves a story.

Dan Smith has become a patron of the arts. he produces and features Marins best jazz players at 19broadway at a regular gig on the second sundays of every month. my hats off to dan a great guy.

Greg Ellberg is a superb trumpet player. always facinating solos . He plays with his heart and is engaged with many jazz gigs in marin. everyone knows Greg,a nice cool cat. playing music for 40 plus years.

As to the aligator you need to write a book about this guy. He plays everything(bass,piano,vibes.drums,,trumpet—plus a gifted vocalist) etc for over 60 years.

Played all the cruise ships. All his dough goes to collecting muscial instruments. He is the bass player and vocalist for Dori green who plays every fourth Sunday at 19broadway.he is a great guy who is not as grumpy now because he is in love.

Rounding out this swing/ variety band and joining us in the second set is Tony David on accordion and Hank Guernsey on congas and whistes etc. You have too see and hear hank do orange colored sky and mister san man to get the fullnes of this character. Tony adds a nice touch on accordian and is always fun to work with.

I must mention our two maracha players. Hurricaine Rodrequiz (when he is not in cornwall) and Richard Satterfield when Hurricaine is away.

Finally, as you might expect we have several guest vocalist. Sweet Carrie who always gives her best and charms everyone , Dick Hudson who is one of bay areas best, Dori Green (singing for 78 years)
Les Bailey (entering his 89th year-began singing at 19broadway twenty five years ago!) Smooth as silk and Miguel from Mendocino excites the crowd ever time with his opera trained voice singing spanish and mexican love songs.

I hope you can join us. We guarantee a great time. a lot of songs, laughs and some tears. Where music and fun collide and where old and new friends meet.

remember—MUSIC IS THAT PLACE ABOVE EARTH AND JUST BELOW HEAVEN

MY BEST TO ALL OF YOU. GARRY GRAHAM