Tom Knight & the Blue Moon Swing Band
Based in Ithaca, NY, here is a fun, versatile band that brings a cohesive, professional and dynamic performance to any event. Three lead singers, stellar vocal harmonies, a hot horn section, and amazing solos give Tom Knight & the Blue Moon its vibrant and distinctive sound. The songbook is a satisfying mix of familiar favorites, uncommon discoveries and potent originals, including Swing, Rock 'n' Roll, Soul, Ballads, Waltzes, and the uncategorizable. Each of the talented and experienced musicians of Tom Knight & the Blue Moon bring their own high standards and versatility to the group -- together, they have the synergy and authentic groove that distinguishes a genuine band and from a bunch of individual musicians on stage at the same time. The band can cater to your specific needs and is equally engaging for listening or dancing!
Singer/songwriter (and swing dancer) Tom Knight is the visionary and dedicated leader of the band, contributing catchy original tunes, lead vocals and rhythm guitar to their unique mix. At home in the styles of Folk, Rock 'n' Roll, Swing and the occasional heart-wrenching ballad, Tom has 6 albums to his credit and also works as a puppeteer and children's entertainer.
Jim Lawrence delivers rock solid bass and vocals to the Blue Moon. Jim's tight harmonies and natural musical sense can be credited to his 30 years' experience playing throughout Central New York.
Peter Forlano, saxophone, began playing in Rock 'n Roll and jazz bands at the age of 14. He got his chops at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, and since moving to Ithaca in 1979, Peter has played with the Ithaca Ageless Jazz Band, the 11 piece Soul Band "The Destination," and his own Peter Forlano Trio. Lately, he's added a clarinet to the mix, which helps when we need to play a hora.
Lead guitarist Mike Vitucci, while an ace rhythm player, is best known for his hot, hit-the-spot solos -- agile, melodic, funky -- you have to hear them. Mike launched his career long ago in NYC with "Sniffles and the Malt Shop Men." In his 20 years in Ithaca, Mike has been a star of Bernie Milton's Soul Patrol, as well as many other bands.
Anchoring the band with drums and vocals, Will Hanson knows how to hit a groove that pulls everyone else in like a magnet. His resume reads like a show business who's who, backing up people like Connie Stevens, Trini Lopez, and Bob Hope! But he can also rock out and get funky when necessary.
Steve Codner, trumpet and flugelhorn, has a talent for achingly sweet ballads or topping out those kickin’ horn lines that make you want to boogie. While he plays many different styles of music, his favorite is classic jazz. By day, he’s a music educator, conducting concert bands and jazz ensembles. By night, he plays with us, as well as the Hot Seven and the Ithaca Concert Band.