Unforgettable Big Band

The official logo of the Unforgettable Big Band

Background information
Also known as| Unforgettable Big Band, Inc.
Origin| York, York County, Pennsylvania, United States
Genres| Big band
Years active| 2000–present
Website| www.unforgettablebigband.com

Musical artist

The Unforgettable Big Band is a community big band based in York, Pennsylvania[1][2] that was founded in 2000.[3] The band performs a diverse repertoire, incorporating genres of swing, pop, rock, country, patriotic anthems, and opera.[4][5] While rooted in the traditions of the big band era, the ensemble also includes music from earlier periods as well as contemporary selections.

The band has received local recognition,[4][6] winning multiple Central Pennsylvania Music Awards,[7][8] and maintains a presence across the Mid-Atlantic region.[4][7][9][10]

## History

[edit]

The Unforgettable Big Band was founded in the summer of 2000 by saxophonist Steve Spangler in Lake Meade, Adams County, within East Berlin, Pennsylvania. Initially, a small group of local musicians gathered biweekly in Spangler’s garage to play big band music. With input from Jim Spark, Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church in York, the group gradually expanded, with Spark serving as musical director and Spangler as band manager.[11]

The band's first public performance was at a charity fundraiser for the Lake Meade Homeowners Association, which became a recurring event. As its reputation grew, the band acquired a sound system and stage lighting, and rehearsals were moved to First Presbyterian Church in York.[1][6]

Early performances focused on events for World War II veterans[3] and local charities.[10] Over time, the band broadened its outreach, supporting organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Shriners, and Wounded Warriors of PA.[3][11] The band also performs at local theaters.[5][11][12]

In the late 2000s, clarinetist and saxophonist Thomas "Thom" McLaughlin became the band’s musical director, with Lindy Mack as assistant director and arranger.[11] The band expanded its regional presence, performing at events such as the Les Brown Festival in Tower City,[9][10] the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.,[7] and the Frank Sinatra Centennial Celebration in Hoboken, New Jersey.[7]

The band transitioned into a nonprofit organization,[3] emphasizing education and preservation of big band music.

The Unforgettable Big Band has been recognized for its contributions to the Central Pennsylvania music scene, winning two Central Pennsylvania Music Awards.[7][8] In 2019, the band won "Best Variety/Dance Band" at the inaugural Central Pennsylvania Music Awards.[7] In 2021, the band won the "Cover-to-Cover" Award for their recording of Fighter by York-based country artist Corina Aucker arranged by musical director Lindy Mack.[8]

## Current band

[edit]

The band consists of a traditional big band set-up of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, a rhythm section, and vocalists.

* Saxophones: Dave Murphy, John Mohr, Donald Kessler, Michael Kirk, Kerry Kyle
* Trumpets: Jim Smolko, Chris McKee, Randy Gutacker, Kirk Frey
* Trombones: Nick Berger, Lani Deathrage, Jim Young, Tami Morningstar, Doug Hershey
* Rhythm Section: Lindy Mack, Ken Brein, John Batzer, Jay Rubin, Brenton Downs
* Vocalists: Jim Scofield, Christy Weist, Anna Pavoncello

## Leadership

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The band is incorporated and managed by its by-laws. Per these, there is an officer board composed of four officers elected annually at an annual business meeting. The officer board selects the musical director, and the musical director selects the assistant musical director.

The 2025 officer board of the Unforgettable Big Band is as follows:

* Kirk Frey, President
* Nick Berger, Vice President
* Jay Rubin, Treasurer
* Christy Weist, Secretary

The current musical directors of the Unforgettable Big Band are as follows:

* Lindy Mack, Musical Director
* Michael Kirk, Assistant Musical Director

## Discography

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The band has released several albums and singles on streaming services and CDs:

* American Feeling (2013)
* Fifteen 4 Fifteen (2015)
* Sinatra Centennial: A Tribute to the Man and His Music (2015)
* Fighter [Single] (2021)

## References

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1. ^ a b "Photos: The Unforgettable Big Band gears up". York Daily Record. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
2. ^ O'Laughlin, Lindsey. "Unforgettable Big Band presents throwback New Year's Eve soiree". York Dispatch. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
3. ^ a b c d Freireich, Gordon. "The unforgettable music of World War II". York Daily Record. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
4. ^ a b c Downs, Terrence. "York's "Restoring History - The Big Swing Thing" a success (column)". York Daily Record. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
5. ^ a b "The Unforgettable Big Band at Hershey Area Playhouse". WHTM-TV. 2022-03-25. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
6. ^ a b Sholtis, Brett. "Big bands to put Valencia Ballroom's rich history on display". York Daily Record. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
7. ^ a b c d e f Locurto, Tina. "York County musicians, studio win big at first-ever Central PA Music Awards". York Dispatch. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
8. ^ a b c Stairiker, Kevin. "Here are the winners from the 3rd annual Central PA Music Awards". LNP. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
9. ^ a b Leskin, Tom (2012-03-24). "Les Brown Festival celebrates composer's 100 birthday". Pottsville Republican Herald. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
10. ^ a b c Mueller, Amanda (2015-04-02). "Unforgettable Big Band presents First Friday Doris Day tribute". WPMT. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
11. ^ a b c d "South Central PA's Premiere Dance Band - History". www.unforgettablebigband.com. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
12. ^ "A big band tribute to Frank Sinatra at YLT". FlipSidePA. Retrieved 2025-02-07.