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The Do Good Swing Band, a 17-piece Big Band exactly like those made popular in the 1930s and 40s, will play a dance at the Oswego American Legion, W 4th and Bridge streets, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., Nov. 1, it was announced by Donald R. Goodness, director and lead trumpet.
“The dance will be in the Legion’s ballroom on the second floor,” Goodness said. “We’ll be playing a broad variety of swing, rumba, ballads and polkas for the occasion.
“The band has become well known throughout Central New York (CNY) for playing the monthly Oswego Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) dances at the Oswego Elks Club,” Goodness said. “As a result, we’ve a wonderful following for our authentic swing-era music and we have received a number of inquiries to play other venues. For many folks, we’ve brought back warm, wonderful memories of the first time they danced to Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, and so many others from that era.
“We’ve got an abundantly talented and outstanding group of musicians who have also played with the Syracuse Symphony, for cruise lines, and in groups accompanying headline entertainment at the New York State Fair. Several are music instructors in local school districts and one is a recording artist who has won at least two Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMYs).”
In addition to playing RSVP dances since the band was started in Sept. 2006, they have performed at the 2007 Harborfest with special guest Jan Eberle, daughter of Glen Miller Orchestra vocalist Ray Eberle. They also presented a swing band and instrument clinic and concert for the Red Creek and North Rose-Wolcott school districts in Feb. 2008.
Goodness comes from a family of musicians and he has been playing trumpet professionally since age 11. He was a former U.S. Army band member and has taught as a music educator in area public and parochial schools. He also serves as supervisor of student teachers for SUNY Potstdam’s Crane School of Music and as director of the New Horizons Band.
Swing enthusiasts can hear and see video clips of the band at the Do Good web site: www.dogoodswingband.com For further information, contact Linda or Don Goodness at [email protected] or (315) 343-1176.
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