Greg Williamson

Pony Boy All-Star Big Band

THE PROJECT:

This summer, the band will be performing for 50 Model T’s and their onlookers on July 10th as part of the AYPE Centennial. The Model T’s, on their way to Seattle from New York will stop at Meadowbrook Farm for a salmon bake and some great music. The band’s arranger, Greg Williamson, has researched the music that was performed at the AYP Expo of 1909 and will provide the musical ambiance of that historic event.

The band will also be hosted as part of the City of Des Moines 50th Birthday Celebration on July 18th. The Pony Boy All-Stars will hearken back to the early incorporation of Des Moines with their amazing library of arrangements dating back to the original swing hits of the 40’s – all the way up to today’s large jazz ensemble orchestrations.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Greg Williamson, Drummer/Arranger:
Greg Williamson began playing drums and piano at an early age, listening to the record collection of his parents, always returning to that curious double live LP by Thelonious Monk. His mother still takes credit for bringing him – at an age less than one year – to concerts of Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong in 1965. By the time hit high school, he has won several college festival awards. In 1986 he gained a degree in jazz studies from Western Washington University, also studying classical percussion & composition. During this time he played many musicals, big band shows, local gigs and was principal percussion, timpanist and clinician with the Seattle Youth Symphony.

The Band:
The Pony Boy All-Star Band is a conglomeration of the best professional musicians in the Seattle area. Led by drummer/arranger Greg Williamson, this collection of musicians is truly All-Star. The 17 members have played with The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Woody Hermans Thundering Herd, Harry James Orchestra, Count Basie, Natalie Cole, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Diana Krall, Steve Allen, and Ernestine Anderson.

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