Jazz is America's only true original art form.
Founded in 1982, The Elkin Big Band is an authentic 18-piece big band - thirteen horns and a full rhythm section. A rarity in today's world, we make the kind of music heard on stage at The Apollo, The Lumina, The Cotton Club, and Carnegie Hall. We take up a lot of space acoustically. Our broad repertoire includes many of the greatest charts in the history of jazz from the 1920s through the present day. We play Irving Berlin to Herbie Hancock, Leonard Bernstein to Miles Davis, Duke Ellington to Stevie Wonder, George Gershwin to Quincy Jones; our catalog represents a deep dive into the genre and everything we play is danceable. Our band adds what many people have called a “glamour factor” to any occasion. Simply said, it is not something that one sees or hears every day. If you are searching for a spectacular musical experience for your event, we would be more than pleased to provide you with an evening that you and your guests will never forget.
Our catalog of songs available for your event.
The Elkin Big Band knows their way around all the favorite big-band tunes from the past century. From Irving Berlin to Duke Ellington, our music will get your guests up and dancing and add a touch of class to any occasion.
Videos and Photo Galleries.
Listen to some of our past performances on Youtube at prestigious North Carolina venues. Our wide variety of songs are perfect for events large and small.
Read the WSJ Article:
“On a recent Saturday morning, big band music spilled from the open doors of The Reeves Theater, injecting the sleepy streets of downtown Elkin with a dose of jump n’ jive.
A few folks followed the sound of the music, poking their heads into the theater to listen to a bar or two of a swinging version of “Here Comes Santa Claus” performed by the Elkin Big Band.
Read The PBS Article:
"Amid the myriad entertainment options available nowadays, often the most fun can be found right in our own backyard. Nowhere is that more true than small towns throughout the foothills of North Carolina. In the town of Elkin, pharmacist Larry Irwin formed & leads a big band in which local musicians play for the enjoyment of all."
Read The Elkin Tribune Article:
"Qualheim praised the organizers for their work to make the gala come together as well as the Elkin Big Band, who provided the musical entertainment."
"The Elkin Big Band has provided music for the Hugh Chatham Foundation Wine Auction in Coley Hall at The Liberty for several years. To say that the band imbues elegance and distinction to our gala would be an understatement. Their presence elevates the event’s experience, and contributes significantly to its overall success. We are so fortunate to have a musical group of this quality in our community. They are spectacular!"
— Paul Hammes, CEO • Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital
Upcoming events.
Our calendar of upcoming events can be seen here. We are available for booking and would be happy to discuss your event dates. Please contact us to discuss details.
It all begins with an idea, perhaps you are planning a wedding, a special event, a charitable fundraiser, or a holiday party. You want to take it to the next level. The Elkin Big Band can provide a unique musical experience to make your occasion not only exceptional but also an evening that your guests will never forget.