Benny Goodman (left) "The King of Swing": Benny Goodman’s big break came in 1934 when he won a contract to appear as one of the three regulars on a coast to coast live radio program sponsored by the National Biscuit Co., entitled "Let’s Dance." It was Benny Goodman who hit upon a new formula of jazz and came to be known as the "King of Swing." What distinguishes the swing bands from the straight dance units of the era is the emergence of jazz as a major rather than a secondary element of their music. The Swing Era marked the time when jazz became synonymous with America’s popular music and entertainment. In 1936, when Goodman and his orchestra played their first jazz "concert" at the Congress Hotel, the music industry came alive!

Clem DeRosa (right) Orchestra Leader: Clem DeRosa’s career as a professional musician, educator, composer and a bandleader spans forty years. At age 15, he was a high schooler whose natural musical ability had him performing with the best musicians in the New York metropolitan area.  During his military career in the Air Force, Clem served with one of Glenn Miller’s Air Corps bands. After his discharge, he worked as a drummer with the name bands of the 1940’s. Professionally, he has recorded and performed with Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Stan Kenton, Teo Macero, Clark Terry and Marian McPartland.