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 Kitchener-Waterloo’s (and beyond) most talented jazzers showed up for that first rehearsal in October 2011. BBT has now finished 11 seasons 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 two albums under their belt (“Evidence”, featuring Don Thompson and “A Swinging Joy”, Christmas) the KW Big Band Theory is an exciting band to hear live. Come check it out, and be prepared to be blown away.
As Ken Hadley, lead alto player says: “This band will part your hair!”
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.
For a 2020 testimonial, please read Testimonial Roberts Onsite 2020.
BBT played to a sell-out crowd at the Jazz Room, Waterloo, in the historic Heuther Hotel. How do 18 musicians and a conductor fit on that stage? Here’s a photo to show you how it’s done.

Live at the Jazz Room
November 18, 2022
Partners and Shoutouts:
In June, 2019, Glen 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 Glen.
BBT has been pleased to work with Hep Cat Swing and the Hep Cat Hoppers, both reputable swing dance facilitators in the Waterloo Region who always augment the excitement of any swing dance.
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
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
Gettin’ Ready for Christmas at Luther Village on the Park, Waterloo
BBT at the Jazz Room, October 20, 2023
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
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
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