Eight Men Swinging Concert at Milford Arts Council

Classic cool jazz takes center stage when the Eight Men Swinging Concert comes to the Milford Arts Council on July 1, 2026. Beginning at 7:30 pm, with doors opening at 7 pm, this special performance celebrates the sophisticated sound and innovative arrangements of the legendary Dave Pell Octet.

Featuring a talented ensemble of eight accomplished musicians, the concert showcases hip, swinging interpretations of selections from the Great American Songbook. Audiences will hear arrangements by renowned composers and arrangers including Marty Paich, Bill Holman, Shorty Rogers, and John Williams, whose work helped define the distinctive West Coast jazz sound of the 1950s.

The ensemble includes Dave Arezzini on tenor saxophone, Mark Dennis on trumpet, Jamie Finegan on piano, Jeff Fuller on bass, Joe Letizia on trombone, Gabe Nappi on drums, Mike Nunno on guitar, and John Smayda on baritone saxophone. Together, they recreate the rich textures and big-band energy of the Dave Pell Octet while bringing their own artistry and experience to the music.

Eight Men Swinging was formed from a shared passion for the Pell catalog and the unique arrangements that made the original octet a jazz sensation. The musicians have performed together in a wide variety of ensembles over the years, ranging from intimate duos to full-scale big bands, creating a strong musical chemistry that shines through in performance.

The Milford Arts Council is located at 40 Railroad Avenue South, Milford, CT 06460. For tickets and additional information, visit https://milfordarts.org/event/eight-men-swinging-concert/.