Big Band for 2005
The Andrew Thielen Big Band is bringing great new music in a classic format to all ages. This is not your grandfather's big band stuff even though he would still love it. This is a big band playing all your favorite songs from yesterday and today. How about a big band that plays Norah Jones songs? Or have you seen a big band that can get down to play funky disco songs, Aretha Franklin motown, some easy shagging music and even Bob Seger rock and roll? If you go see this band you will believe. You will find them at festivals, theatres, conventions, fund raisers, weddings and even on your local PBS television station. The Andrew Thielen Big Band is a genuine Big Band with 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, 4 saxophones, drums, bass, piano and 2 sometimes 3 fantastic vocalists.
Led by world class drummer.
This Big Band is led by Andrew Thielen who is a kicking drummer and plays all styles well. Thielen has played in drum battles with drumming superstars Louie Bellson and Johnny Carson's former Tonight Show drummer Ed Shaunnessy. Thielen has even played with the famed Glenn Miller Orchestra. But at the end of the night you will forget the rest, you have heard the best.
This is not your local "part- timer" community band.
Other instrumental musicians in the Big Band are all-star players from NC, SC,VA & GA. Many of the band members have played professionally behind national known recording artists like Johnny Mathis, Kenny Rogers, Paul Anka, Wayne Newton, and others. Many have also played in either the Glenn Miller or Tommy Dorsey Orchestras.
The band is self contained.
Thielen says he has spent well over $100,000 on everything from state of the art sound equipment, speakers, subwoofers, risers, fronts, lights and even fog machines to make this band visually exciting, completely self sufficient and ready for the road. The band has a dozen different colors of tuxedo vests to match any occasion or holiday and their library of music and holiday tunes is second to none. It is no wonder then that at a recent glimpse of their schedule they were in Kiawah Island, SC Friday night, in Hickory, NC Saturday then back in Myrtle Beach for a fund-raiser on Sunday. These guys are good at entertaining and audiences and dancers, brides and corporate party planners have noticed.
Music for all ages and tastes.
Thielen is certain to make Big Band music popular for a whole new generation and said his band although 11 years old has just barely begun. Why does Thielen work so hard at this size band? Said Thielen; "Big Bands are one of Americas' greatest musical treasures and well worth preserving. They are fun, exciting and powerful. Those who see a Big Band regardless of age love it. I know that if people don't see it, they can't remember it. If they can't remember it, they can't cherish it. We know everyone will love this format for music and cherish it once they hear us. Every note they hear is LIVE. Our audiences get the fever and hire us again and again. Our concerts in the park bring thousands. So, we are ready to go anywhere in these coastal states to play for new audiences, regardless of their limited budgets. If they call us soon enough, we can usually give them a sweetheart of a deal price-wise, plus give them the best show or dance they've ever had."
