History

What is a big band? Well, it's BIG: four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones, and a full rhythm section of piano, bass, guitar, and drums. Add vocalists and you potentially have up to 20 pieces on stage! 

The Delmarva Big Band traces it's legacy to the Len Gray Orchestra, which performed throughout the mid-Atlantic region during the height of the Big Band era. After Mr. Gray's passing the baton was picked up by his son, Lenny Grazier, a highly regarded jazz pianist who had studied at Juilliard and performed with jazz legends like Lou Rawls and Chet Baker. The Len Gray Orchestra continued to perform under his direction throughout the Delmarva region.

Mr. Grazier passed away in early 2005. After a brief hiatus the band members reformed as the Delmarva Big Band and performed our inaugural concert in tribute to the late Mr. Grazier at Ocean City's annual Sunfest in 2005. We  feature the Peninsula's elite professional musicians and educators who continue Mr. Grazier's legacy, as well as the legacy of the traditional Big Band.