KW Big Band Theory
Big Band classics and contemporary jazz in Waterloo Region.
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This fantastic big band packs an irresistible whallop of musical entertainment — spirited, talented and fun!
Stephen Preece, KW Jazz Room
About the Band
The Big Band Theory had its genesis in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, without any clear idea where this project might end up. And… WOW! what an explosion of sound when seventeen of Waterloo Region’s most talented jazzers showed up for that first rehearsal in October 2011. BBT is now in its fourteenth season of music making with a deep repertoire of period music from the swing era (Benny Goodman and Count Basie), contemporary big band arrangements (LAs Big Phat Band), 70s horn bands (Earth, Wind and Fire, Tower of Power). With three albums under their belt (“Evidence”, featuring Don Thompson and “A Swinging Joy”, Christmas and “Suite Canada”, all Canadian Composers and Arrangers) the KW Big Band Theory is an exciting band to hear live. Come check it out, and be prepared to be blown away.
As lead alto player, Ken Hadley says: “This band will part your hair!”
BBT is excited to launch their third recroding entitled “Suite Canada” featuring all Canadian Composers and Arrangers. It is now available for streaming and can be purchased on BandCamp after March 14, 2025. Here’s a video clip of BBT making their recent recording.
For a 2020 testimonial, please read Testimonial Roberts Onsite 2020.
Partners and Shoutouts:
In June, 2019, Glenn Woodcock, Jazz FM 91.1 listed BBT’s recording “Evidence” as one of 14 albums keeping big band music alive. Read the article. Thank you Glenn.
Meet the Musical Director Meet the band
Musical Director: Jimmy “T-Bone” Edwards
In September, 2021, as we pull through the Covid-19 Pandemic and reassemble, Jimmy Edwards has stepped forward to lead the band as musical director. Jimmy was no stranger to BBT having subbed in on many occassions with the trombone section. We have really come to appreciate his ear for musical balance, his deep knowledge of big band repertoire, his nuanced approach to musical direction and his encouraging and positive energy to take BBT to the next level. Once upon a time, he was the inaugural musical director of the Royal City Big Band and now we are thrilled to have him behind the baton as well as the occasional trombone solo to front the band.
We are grateful for the leadership of Robin Habermehl (2011-2018), Robin Jessome (2018) and Sam Meakin (2019) who lead us through 2 recordings receiving national plays and many successful collaborations with Canadian jazz icons Don Thompson, John MacLeod, and Michael Occhipinti.
Band Members
Getting this 17-member group together for rehearsals and concerts is not an easy task.
Saxophone
Gabriella Ellingham
alto, bari, clarinet, flute
Ken Foster
tenor saxophone
Ken Hadley
alto sax, flute and clarinet
Taylor Ellingham
Baritone sax
Tim Moher
tenor sax
Trumpet
Alan Ralston
trumpet
Martin Lacoste
trumpet
Paul Fedherau
trumpet
Randy Brown
lead trumpet
Trombone
Jim Edwards
musical director, trombone
Kathryn Scobie
trombone
Paul Ellingham
Bass trombone
Robin Jessome
trombone
Sam Meakin
trombone
Steve Hagedorn
trombone
Rhythm Section
Andy Macpherson
Drums
Greg Prior
Bass
Jeff Daniels
Piano
Ralf Buschmeyer
guitar
Friends of the band
Andriy Tykhonov
Piano, keyboard
Bob Phillips
trombone
Bruce Gordon
Composer & arranger
Caleb Khuu
guitar
Chris Alcantara
Trumpet
Dan Brennan
bass
Darrell Kuwabara
guitar
David Cheon
guitar
Dennis Rondeau
bass
Derek Hines
vocalist
Don Thompson
vibes, writer and arranger
Doug Stinson
trumpet
Eric Probst
bass trombone
Greg Dozois
trumpet
Hepcat Swing
Dancers and Instructors
Jacob Durst
saxophone
John MacLeod
guest trumpet, arranger and writer
Joni NehRita
vocalist
Keith Bilinsky
trombone
Kevin Kalbfleisch
trumpet
Lukas Bouda
guitar
Mary-Catherine Pizzano
Matt Koebel
piano
Michael Occhipinti
guitar, composer, arranger
Randy Lyght
vocalist
Rebecca Binnendyk
vocalist
Rob Gellner
Robin Habermehl
Conductor, soprano, alto & tenor sax, vocals
Ron Schirm
Trombone
Ryan Cassidy
Tenor sax
Shawn Robson
trumpet
Stephen Zurakowsky
Guitar
Steve McDade
trumpet
Tim Louis
vocalist, piano
Tyler Wagler
guitar
Urmas Soomet
bass
Photos
Suite Canada Launches March 14, 2025
BBT’s third recording launches on Pi Day, 2025. 8 tunes engineered by Rick Hutt and Ron Chilton featuring all Canadian composers and arrangers. BBT is grateful to the Waterloo Regional Arts Fund for its financial support and commitment to the arts.
BBT in Hamilton at The Corktown Irish Pub — January 11, 2025
Big Band Christmas, 2024
Another Christmas show on the records at The Registry Theatre. Highlights were performing the complete Ellington-Strahorn Nutcracker Suite, working with vocalist Corinne Plomish and welcoming the talented and capable trumpet subs Shawn Robson and Greg Dozois.
KW Big Band Theory
BBT with Chelsea McBride at The Registry Theatre, May 25, 2024
It was a fabulous show featuring the compositions and conducting of Chelsea McBride with guest vocalists Nathan Martin and Jontue Elan. Photos by Andy Macpherson and Lawrence McNaught.
Big Band Christmas at the Registry Theatre, December 2023
December 9 and 10, 2023, photos courtesy of Allan Hoch and Susie Fowler
Gettin’ Ready for Christmas at Luther Village on the Park, Waterloo
Photos courtesy of Dennis Lehto, taken at rehearsal, Dec. 2, 2023.
BBT at the Jazz Room, October 20, 2023
Photos courtesy of Gryphon Hudson.
BBT playing a Swing Dance for the Fairview – Parkwood Mennonite Home Gala, September 16, 2023
The Registry Sessions (part 2) May 29, 2023
Roberts Onsite Annual Party, February, 2023
Photos courtesy of Cameron Shaver.
Christmas, 2022
BBT at the Jazz Room, November 18, 2022
BBT prepares to record their third album.
With Rick Hutt and Ron Chilton behind the console and microphones, and with the support of the Waterloo Region Arts Fund, BBT is recording their third CD, in hopes of a release in early 2023. Stay tuned. This recording will feature all Canadian composers and arrangers. Here’s a video clip sneak preview.
Sun Life Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival, July 23, 2022
Getting ready for a Christmas Show (November, 2021)
BBT in the Barn
November, 2021
During Covid-19 pandemic
Socially distanced practicing with vapor barriers to keep everyone safe.
Swing Dance for Roberts Onsite with BBT, Feb.1, 2020
BBT with the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra and Derek Hines
Concert Photo by Chantal Bresse September 29, 2018
Rehearsal Photo by Paul Ellingham September 23, 2018
BBT at the Belmont Village Bestival, 2018
Photos by Susie Fowler, September 15, 2018
Big Band Christmas at the Registry Theatre, 2016
Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival
July 19, 2014. With special guest Don Thompson!
Photos by Thomas Grandin.
Photos by Jeannine Barkhouse
Photos by Roy Barkhouse
Live at The Jazz Room
October 18, 2013. Photos by Gee Wong.
Upcoming Shows
2025
BADDEST BIG BAND, London ON
cost: 40
Baddest Big Band is a collection of some of the best jazz musicians from the London, Ontario area. Under the direction of Seth McNall, BBB will be presenting a unique presentation of classical music with Big Band Treatment.
Hilario Duran Latin Big Band
Yes, Hilario’s Latin Big Band is coming to town! WIth thanks to The Good Foundation, we are hosting a Big Band Weekend with this fabulous band on the stand Saturday night. Don’t miss this Juno and Grammy winning ensemble!
BIG BAND WEEKEND at The Registry Theatre
cost: 40
BBT is excited to be part of the (hopefully) annual Big Band Weekend, hosted by The Registry Theatre. Check back for details!
Restaurant and hotel packages and amazing music all weekend long.