Printer Friendly Version - Tuxedo Junction Forming a Community at Band Practice Nights

Laureen and Bob Conn took to the dance floor on Nov. 15 during the weekly rehearsal performance of swing dance band Tuxedo Junction. The band performs each Monday night at 7 p.m. at the Guilford VFW at 104 Mill Road. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

A local big band is encouraging residents to stop in and enjoy their rehearsals, free of charge, at the Guilford VFW, 104 Mill Road, on Monday nights. Tuxedo Junction, which has been entertaining the shoreline for decades, is now practicing at the VFW and wants the public to stop in and dance to the rhythms of all the classic big-band-era tunes.

Tuxedo Junction was first organized in 1989 by World War II veterans Pete Jacobs (trumpet) and Will Taylor (drums), who set up an eight-piece Dixieland jazz band in the basement of the senior citizens center in Madison. Pat Todd soon joined on piano and eventually became the leader of the ensemble.

According to trombonist Harvey Martin, the band quickly grew into a full swing band as Jacobs added big band arrangements. Members now include everyone from high school students to retired music teachers, but finding a place for 18 members to practice is no easy feat, according to the Martin.

“It is important to involve the community in this. It allows us something to play for,” said Martin. “These are really more of a performance than a rehearsal, so people will really enjoy it. We have a great group of musicians right now.”

After more than 1,000 performances, Tuxedo Junction has become a favored musical experience on the shoreline. The group now consists of 18 passionate musicians, men and women of all ages, and, following the great jazz tradition, warmly welcomes visiting jazz musicians to sit in.

Large ensembles like Tuxedo Junction often have members who must travel long distances for gigs and rehearsals and especially in the pandemic era, finding a space large enough to accommodate the group was not easy. Finding such a spot grants the added bonus of space for an audience, however.

Todd and she said anyone who attends these performances are in for a great evening of dancing and fun.

“We start at 7 and play until 8:30 [p.m.]. There is plenty of space for dancing in front of the band. Members of the audience can bring food, but no alcohol,” Todd said. “There is a bartender on duty. Admission is free, but I pass the hat to cover the cost of the room. For the past two summers we’ve rehearsed every Monday evening on a farm in Killingworth, and then performed on the Branford Green from the beginning of September until Oct. 11. The very next Monday we started at the VFW where we love the space, the acoustics, and the great audiences.”

Tuxedo Junction plays original big band arrangements from the ‘30s through the ‘70s, including charts from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and more. It also plays dance-able tunes from swing to waltz, foxtrot to two-step, Latin, and even some rock.

The public is invited to dance and listen in at no charge, but can contribute if desired. The band also available for hire at public and private events throughout Connecticut.