Book the Orchestra

Classic big band swing for concerts and events.

What We Deliver

Salt City Jazz Orchestra brings the classic big band sound to Central New York—Basie-forward swing, shout choruses, and feature moments that make a room light up. We can tailor volume and set length to your venue, provide clear stage logistics, and deliver a polished program that works for jazz series, theaters, dances, and private events.

What to Expect From Us

  • Fast, professional communication
  • Stage plot and technical requirements available
  • Professional setup and presentation
  • Tailored volume and program to venue needs

Program Options

  • 45 minutes

    Festival / series slot

  • 75–90 minutes

    Full concert program

  • 2×45 minutes

    Dance / gala / fundraiser

Optional add-ons: vocalist, small-group intermission set, holiday swing set.

Perfect For

  • Performing arts centers
  • Jazz series and festivals
  • Civic and cultural organizations
  • Universities and libraries
  • Fundraising and donor-supported events

Inquire About Booking

Tell us about your event and we'll get back to you within 48 hours.

Ready to connect?

Fill out our quick form and we'll get back to you within 48 hours.

Open Booking Inquiry Form

Prefer email? Reach us at stgeorgejas@gmail.com

Our Repertoire

Over 60 authentic big band charts from the Basie tradition and beyond — all professionally published editions, ready to perform.

Count Basie Classics

The heart of our book — authentic Basie band charts

  • • April in Paris (arr. Wild Bill Davis)
  • • One O'Clock Jump (trans. Jeff Hest)
  • • Jumpin' at the Woodside (arr. Tommy Newsom)
  • • Li'l Darlin' (arr. Neal Hefti)
  • • Splanky (arr. Neal Hefti)
  • • Cute (arr. Neal Hefti)
Show 15 more
  • • Corner Pocket (arr. Freddie Green/Ernie Wilkins)
  • • Flight of the Foo Birds (arr. Neal Hefti)
  • • Shiny Stockings (arr. Frank Foster)
  • • Down for the Count (arr. Frank Foster)
  • • Blues in Hoss' Flat (arr. Frank Foster)
  • • Easin' It (arr. Frank Foster)
  • • In a Mellow Tone (arr. Frank Foster)
  • • The Kid from Red Bank (arr. Neal Hefti)
  • • Teddy the Toad (arr. Neal Hefti)
  • • Whirlybird (arr. Neal Hefti)
  • • Duet (arr. Neal Hefti)
  • • Moten Swing (arr. Ernie Wilkins)
  • • Swingin' the Blues (trans. Myles Collins)
  • • Basie Boogie (trans. Myles Collins)
  • • Basie Straight Ahead (arr. Sammy Nestico)

Sammy Nestico Arrangements

The definitive Basie arranger of the later era

  • • 88 Basie Street
  • • The Hayburner
  • • Switch in Time
  • • Magic Flea
  • • The Queen Bee
  • • Wind Machine
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  • • Ya Gotta Try
  • • Lonely Street
  • • It's Oh, So Nice
  • • Satin Doll

Frankly Basie (Billy Byers)

Instrumental arrangements from the Sinatra-Basie sessions

  • • The Second Time Around
  • • In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
  • • I'll Never Smile Again
  • • Come Fly with Me
  • • Moon River
  • • Hey, Jealous Lover
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  • • Street of Dreams
  • • All of Me (instrumental + vocal)
  • • South of the Border
  • • Saturday Night Is the Loneliest Night of the Week
  • • This Love of Mine

Thad Jones & Modern Classics

From the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra and beyond

  • • A Child Is Born (arr. Thad Jones)
  • • Big Dipper (arr. Thad Jones)
  • • Groove Merchant (arr. Thad Jones)
  • • Can't We Be Friends? (arr. Thad Jones)
  • • Time Check (arr. Don Menza)
  • • Nutville (arr. Greg Hopkins)
Show 1 more
  • • Channel One Suite (arr. Bill Reddie)

Swing Era Standards

Miller, Ellington, Goodman — the golden age

  • • Moonlight Serenade (trans. Jeff Hest)
  • • In the Mood (trans. Alan Glasscock)
  • • Take the 'A' Train (trans. David Berger)
  • • Mood Indigo (arr. Billy Strayhorn)
  • • Stardust (trans. Myles Collins)
  • • Sing Sing Sing (trans. Myles Collins)
Show 3 more
  • • Stompin' at the Savoy (arr. Bill Holman)
  • • Broadway (arr. Henri Woode)
  • • Night Train (arr. Roy Phillippe)

Concert Features

Showpieces and audience favorites

  • • Malaguena (arr. Bill Holman)
  • • Love for Sale (arr. Pete Myers)
  • • Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (arr. Phil Wilson)
  • • I Can't Stop Loving You (arr. Quincy Jones)

Custom programming available. We can tailor sets for your event's style and duration.

All charts are authentic published editions from Sierra Music, Jazz Lines, Hal Leonard, and Kendor.

"Big band is too good to be occasional. Salt City is making it regular again."

Prefer to Talk Directly?

For immediate inquiries or to discuss custom arrangements:

stgeorgejas@gmail.com (585) 867-1087