After Hours Big Band

Formed in 2006 by members of the Newmarket Citizens Band, After Hours is dedicated to advancing and modernizing big-band swing music while celebrating its legacy. Performances, led by trombonist and educator Dr. Michael Kearns, feature stirring vocals by George Marian and Jessica Owen, as well as jazz solos by members of the trombone, trumpet, saxophone and rhythm sections.

After Hours Big Band — For the Fun Of It!

The After Hours Big Band brings musical energy to any occasion where people are looking for fun.

We play for love of modern swing music, and it shows. The band has been delighting audiences at concerts, festivals, fundraisers and private events for two decades.

After Hours’ repertoire includes everything from contemporary jazz and popular music to traditional swing favourites. Audiences appreciate our danceable melodies as well as creative solos from the saxophone, trombone, trumpet and rhythm sections.

And vocals? There’s nobody like our George Marian and Jess Owen. Hear for yourself!

After Hours Big Band

The After Hours Big Band is a dynamic group dedicated to bringing musical energy to events across Ontario.

With over two decades of experience, the After Hours Big Band offers a versatile musical repertoire that includes contemporary jazz, popular music, and traditional swing favorites. Their performances are characterized by engaging, danceable melodies and impressive solos from various instruments, including the saxophone, trombone, trumpet, and rhythm sections. They are known for creating a lively atmosphere at concerts, festivals, fundraisers, and private events. Vocalists George Marian and Jess Owen add a unique charm to their performances, making each event memorable and entertaining. For more details, visit their website.

The Band

Michael Kearns

Director

Michael Kearns has been the Musical Director of the AHBB since 2012. He has a BM in Jazz Performance (University of Toronto), a MM in Jazz Pedagogy (University of Miami, FL), and a Doctor of Music Education degree (Indiana University). He has performed at Carnegie Hall; toured Ireland, Italy, Germany, and Luxembourg, and has travelled the world as a cruise ship entertainer. Michael currently teaches at Georgian College and performs locally with the Octokats. A noted trombonist, arranger, and researcher on Canadian jazz education, his work can be found at www.drkmusic.com

George Marian

Vocal

George has been with the After Hours Big Band since 2014. His home town is Winnipeg and he was the vocalist in a very successful rock and roll band that made the pilgrimage to Toronto. He now calls Sutton/Toronto his home. If you don’t find him behind a microphone, try searching some of the golf courses in the Newmarket area.

Jess Owen

Vocal

Jess has been singing her whole life, from elementary school concerts to high-school bands and beyond to professional gigs as an adult. She earned her music degree (Jazz Studies: Vocalist) from Capilano University in Vancouver and went on to earn her teaching degree at UBC. As a full time music teacher, Jess enjoys sharing her love of music with children of all ages. Jess feels proud and fortunate to share the stage with the incredibly talented members of the After Hours Big Band

Robert Hess

Sax

Robert plays melodic and improvisational lines as a featured soloist on the alto saxophone. He became a full-time band member in 2022. Robert earned his Masters of Music at Wichita State University and a Bachelor of Music Education at Western University. He is a private music teacher and loves sharing the joy of music with his student community. Learn more about Robert at roberthessmusic.com.

Fred Lock

Sax

Fred joined the After Hours Big Band on alto saxophone in the spring of 2018, later moving to tenor. He studied jazz performance at Humber College and York University, and can be seen performing regularly throughout Toronto in various jazz, funk, R&B groups.

Wes Whittaker

Sax

Wes plays baritone saxophone in the After Hours Big Band and also in the Newmarket Citizens Band. He can play any sax, but would love to have some day a bass saxophone to round out his collection. Other interests are restoring and riding classic British motorcycles, spending time at his cottage, travelling and wintering in Florida. Wes has been with the AHBB since its formation.

Lawrence Moule

Sax

Alto saxophonist Lawrence Moule joined the After Hours Big Band circa 2008. Lawrence has performed music in York Region for many years. He is a percussionist with the Newmarket Citizens Band and a bass guitarist with the Richmond Hill Concert Band. He is also one-half of a jazz duo called Take 2, with pianist Andre Soares.

Glenda Colucci

Sax

Glenda began her musical journey at age 5 taking piano lessons from her grandmother. At age 15 she was studying Royal Conservatory piano level 9, began teaching piano lessons to young children and was playing tenor sax and keyboard in high school concert and stage bands
After a 30-year hiatus from the sax, Glenda joined the Newmarket Citizens Band on tenor. In 2022 she was asked to join the After Hours Big Band. She continues to play with NCB as a percussionist and has been in several pit bands on keyboards with Marquee Theatrical Productions.

Jim Rodgers

Trombone

Jim Rodgers began his musical journey in 1947 in Glasgow Scotland with the Albert Senior Secondary School orchestra. After a period of 15 years playing in many different bands and styles, the trombone and music were sidelined to raise a family along with the pursuit of a career that would support this worthwhile endeavour. Jim took up his horn again in earnest in 2008 by joining the Newmarket Citizens Band and shortly after that he began playing with the After Hours Big Band. Jim is also a member of the recently formed Toronto Tribute Big Band. Jim feels strongly that the love of music and the friendships he enjoys with all his fellow musicians makes his life better. He loves golf, reading and travel…gardening, not so much. He would rather be called Jimmy, but very few people do.

Don Giles

Trombone

Don started playing the trombone in the Georgina Brass Band in 1962 and joined the Newmarket Citizens Band in 2000. He has been playing second trombone with the After Hours Big Band since its first sitting after the Citizens Band regular rehearsal. He also plays trombone and euphonium in the Aurora Community Band and the York Region Brass Band. A variety of music styles from British brass band to ‘40s big band to modern concert band compositions keeps his interest in music alive.

John Grant

Trombone

John has played bass trombone with AHBB since 2016. He has been playing trombone for more than 40 years and has played with local big bands over the last decade. John enjoys music of all types; he sang tenor and played backup trombone for a gospel quartet for 17 Years. John would like to acknowledge the quality and professionalism of all the members of the AHBB.

Dale Matsushige

Trombone

Dale, a native of Montreal, began her musical studies on piano. She obtained an A.R.C.T. from the Royal Conservatory of Music, B.A. from Concordia University and B.Ed. from the University of Toronto. Dale has been a dedicated and proud member of the After Hours Big Band on trombone since 2006. Now retired from teaching, Dale continues her musical activities not only in this band: conductor of the Newmarket Citizens Band, singer/accompanist in the Take Note Vocal Ensemble and creative team member of Marquee Theatrical Productions in Aurora.

Gord Wilkes

Trumpet

Gord has been playing trumpet since 1960 except for one 10-year period. He has played in two high school bands, a university marching band, a brass quintet and the Newmarket Citizens Band, as well as being a soloist at two churches. He joined the After Hours Big Band in 2002, before it even had a name. Despite the many years of playing, he is continuing to learn and loves performing.

Amanda Chappell

Trumpet

Amanda is one of the latest additions to the AHBB family and feels privileged to collaborate with such a talented ensemble. Her musical journey began in childhood with guitar lessons, and eventually exploring various instruments before passionately dedicating herself to the trumpet. Amanda’s extensive experience includes performing in enrichment bands, wind ensembles, quintets, jazz bands, solo pieces and pit orchestras. Offstage, Amanda dedicates her time to teaching music, both privately and to her children, and pursues karate training.

Les Saville

Trumpet

Les began playing music with the Salvation Army in England, becoming the youth band conductor at age 19. He later joined the Chapeltown Silver Band as their principle cornet and assistant conductor. Upon winning the Yorkshire area competition, they played in the National Finals in London. He later moved on to The City of Sheffield Band playing the soprano cornet. After emigrating to Canada, he became the principle trumpet with the Newmarket Citizens Band and in 1991, was appointed conductor. The longest-serving conductor in that band’s history, Les became conductor emeritus in 2019. He is a founding member of the After Hours Big Band, playing lead trumpet, and was instrumental in the origin of its name.

Connie Learn

Trumpet

Connie began playing trumpet as a 9 year old in a village concert band. She is a longtime member of the Newmarket Citizens Band who welcomed the opportunity to play with the After Hours Big Band over a decade ago. Connie is a keen supporter of community music-making and appreciates Michael Kearns’ enthusiastic leadership and guidance.

Andre Soares

Rhythm

Andre Soares is a classically trained pianist with a BFA (Music), and B.Ed from York University. He has also attended the Humber College Music Program. He has been teaching and performing in the Toronto area. His focus is Jazz. As a freelance musician, he performs as a soloist, as well as with duos, trios, quartets and ensembles. He has enjoyed performing with the After Hours Big Band for 5 years. www.andresoarestrio.com

Jan Ravens

Rhythm

Greg Horner

Rhythm

Gregory Horner is an experienced drummer, percussionist and vocalist with a background in live performance, recording and teaching. Greg is a life-long student of music, having studied with jazz drumming guru Jim Blackley, classical percussionist Bob Becker, Toronto guitarist Michael Occhipinti and others. Greg is also the author of a drum set method book, Rhythm Reading and Coordination.
He has performed with many music groups from rock and pop to jazz and country groups, classical orchestras and theatre pit bands.

Greg Cox

Rhythm

Greg Cox joined the AHBB in December of 2019 as a guitarist. He is a recently retired high school teacher from the Peel District School Board. During the 1970s and ’80s, Greg played extensively in the GTA club scene, colleges, and universities. He has performed throughout much of southern Ontario and has toured Europe and the United States. In 1988, Greg shifted his focus from rock to jazz and continued playing throughout the GTA, including regular performances with busy big bands. Greg has earned credits as a sideman on six CDs and has self-published two solo albums.