Big band strikes it up for Rescue Mission

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Big Band performers with some very distinguished musical pedigrees played Sunday at Stambaugh Auditorium to help the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley.

Ron Chick’s Friends All Star Alumni Big Band took the stage to help the Rescue Mission in its work with the Valley’s homeless and needy population this winter.

The band, said Chick, who is the show’s producer, conductor, director and drummer, is made up of alumni from the Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich orchestras and the U.S. Navy Band.

Chick said the band plays benefits throughout the country.

The band has been together for eight years, he said.

Sunday’s performance was the second year it played for the Rescue Mission.

“We play all the real music of the Big Bands,” Chick said. “Nothing comes to this area like this.”

The Rescue for a Brighter Tomorrow Concert was packed full of old favorites like “Lady is a Tramp,” “Mack the Knife,” “Funny Valentine, “Fly Me to the Moon” and “My Way.”

About 150 people attended the benefit. Organizers said Sunday night they did not know yet know how much money was raised to benefit the homeless and needy clientele of the Rescue Mission.