PAT LONGO'S HOLLYWOOD EAST COAST BIG BAND
WHEN: Friday, August 11, 2017 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
WHERE: RUTHERFURD HALL, 1686 Route 517, Allamuchy
TICKETS: $30 Advance
Limited to Only 100 seats available
This Spectacular Big Band is expected to sell out
You'll want to get your tickets in advance
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS NOW
MUSICIANS
Saxophone - Alto's: Bruce Schaffel & Scott Castle
Saxophone - Tenors: Gerry Cappuccio & Don Giantomasi
Saxophone - Baritone: Bob Mastracchio
Trombones: Bill Ash, Roger Verdi, Jeff Behr, Henry Heyzer
Trumpets: Mike Ponella, Tony Gorruso, Rick Henly, Tom Keegan
Piano: Bob Rodriguez
Bass: Jesus Salinas
Drums: Chip Dee
Pat Longo was born and raised in Lodi as Pasquale Pizolongo and was inspired to become a musician in eighth grade in 1943. Longo played the clarinet and alto saxophone for four years in the high school band and orchestra and continues with those instruments today. After graduation, he enrolled in the United States Marine Corps in 1948.
“When I filled out my application for the Marine Corps, they saw that I played the clarinet and alto saxophone in high school and they needed a clarinet player in the Second Marine Air Wing Band in Cherry Point, North Carolina”.
Longo played at military and civilian ceremonies, formal concerts, community celebrations, parades, festivals, and public relations tours during his service.
“It’s the best duty I can ever get,” said Longo about his role in the band. “Playing marches when you are marching down with a 70 piece Marine Corps band was very exciting.”
After the military, he attended college in California with a music major and joined up with legendary jazz bands out there.“I was going to college and started playing with Latin Bands on the weekends,” Longo said.
In 1972, Longo said he received a call from Lee Castle, the leader of the Jimmy Dorsey Band, for an invitation to play saxophone in the band. Then in 1975, Frank “Pee Wee” Monte, the leader of the Harry James Orchestra, called Longo as a fill in.
“It was supposed to be only for one night because one of their saxophone players was in trouble,” he said. “Harry stood right in front of me for 45 minutes for the first set and at a break he had the manager tell me that Harry wanted me to join the band.” Longo was part of the Harry James Band until 1978. That year he left Harry and started his own band - the Hollywood East Coast Band.Pat Longo started the Hollywood East Coast Band in 1978
“We have played for Rod Stewart’s wedding, played songs for HBO’s ‘The Sopranos’ episodes, the Academy Awards Governor’s Ball and many more.
(Photo: Courtesy/Pat Longo)
Jazz Summer Series Events are Sponsored by Scala Memorial Home
