Welcome to the tabb Website!

One of the most exciting bands around, the Toronto All-Star Big Band revives the spirit, style and sound of 1930’s and 40’s - that golden age of the big bands. Armed with brilliant programming, slick choreography and witty cultural nostalgia, this vibrant cast of awesome young talent has earned its position at the top of the list of presenters throughout Ontario and in the U.S. Theatrical engagements are far-reaching, and recent gigs have included the Port Hope Jazz Festival, Port Elgin Big Band Celebration, Beaches International Jazz Festival, Art Park in Lewiston N.Y. and Toronto’s famed Palais Royale and Casa Loma.

At the heart of the musical matter, the Toronto All-Star Big Band provides one of the most intense and stimulating youth music programs in Canada. Behind their extraordinary entertainment, they engage cream-of-the-crop young musicians from across the GTA in a rigorous regime of rehearsals, workshops and a fantastic breadth of rich and skill-building performance experiences with international stars...Buddy deFranco, Eddie Daniels, Larry Elgart, Clark Terry, Cleo Laine and John Dankworth. We have also worked with wonderfully talented Canadians like Peter Appleyard, Tommy Ambrose, Phil Nimmons, Oliver Jones, Ranee Lee, and the great Jackie Richardson. In June of 2009 we had the great pleasure of working with Legend Benny Golson. His gifts of music will "no soon be forgotten." All of these wonderful performers are a part of our Legend Series and have graciously shared their talents with the Toronto All-Star Big Band.

The band has enjoyed workshops with bandleader Howard Cable, Trombonist Al Kay, Saxophonists Alex Dean, John Dankworth and Benny Golson, Trumpeter Clark Terry and John McLeod. The TABB 5 have enjoyed choreography workshops with some of Toronto's top dancers and have enjoyed doing back-up for Jackie Richardson's great blues.

Our touring cool Yule show, A Christmas Special with the Toronto All-Star Big Band, offers up swinging arrangements from the likes of Les Brown, Louis Armstrong and Harry Connick Jr., a refreshing departure from the usual Christmas concert fare.

Harbourfront Dances will resume in the 2010-2011 Season at the Lakeside Terrace.

For more information about the band and our performances, call the Band office or tune in to AM740 on Sunday morning at 10:10 with Murray Segal on Sunday Showcase.

Critics' Remarks

A dazzling display of consummate professionalism, amazing talent and infectious energy - Joanna Manning, The Welland Tribute

Had people virtually dancing in the aisles...like listening to Goodman, Dorsey, and Miller live. - David Hurst, Roselawn Centre Theatre

As fresh and new as this morning's dew...to hear this band is a MUST! - Hugh Fraser, The Hamilton Spectator

A superb swing band. - Phil Surgy, The National Post