Upcoming Performances
Mar 21, 2026
07:00 PM
May 09, 2026
09:30 AM
Jul 14, 2026
06:45 PM
Jul 30, 2026
05:30 PM
Aug 09, 2026
12:00 PM
Aug 15, 2026
05:30 PM
Aug 16, 2026
04:00 PM
Sep 12, 2026
09:30 AM
About The CoolTones
The CoolTones Big Band is a complete "big band", with 5 saxes, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, and a rhythm section (piano, bass, guitar, drums, auxiliary percussion), and of course a vocalist or two. The Band was founded in 1997. Since then, we have performed over 150 times as part of a variety of festivities including weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate parties and grand openings, festivals, winery events, non-profit fundraisers, and other public and private events.
Our 18 musicians and vocalists are all East Bay residents and most of us have "real" lives outside of the Band. Many of our members also perform with other groups. Go to the Meet the Players section to learn more about our band members' other performing groups.
Find us on Facebook at: The CoolTones Big Band
Meet the Players
Drums
Nancy Geimer
Aux Percussion
Michael Tully-Cintron
Trumpet 2
Thomas DaSilva
Trumpet 1
John Escalera / Dan Towson
Trumpet 3
Robert Branco
Trumpet 4
Carlos Mendez
Piano
Dwight Stone
Bass
Cayford Burrell
Guitar
Tim Foley
Trombone 2
Jeff Smurthwaite
Trombone 1
Chris Lawton
Trombone 3
J. T. Happ
Trombone 4
Paul Kyle
Vocal
Kathy Blackburn
Tenor Sax 1
Dave Yeagly
Alto Sax 2
Jon Elliot
Alto Sax 1
Benjamin Benavides
Tenor Sax 2
Lynne Schonder
Bari Sax
Les Duman
Booking
Interested in having the CoolTones Big Band as part of your next big event?
We are very accommodating and will always make your events more memorable, particularly if your guests like to dance!
Our rates are very reasonable and we often can be less costly than a DJ! Along with music, we can provide emcee services, help coordinating your event logistics, and we can provide smaller combos if it best meets your needs.
Call or e-mail for more details:
Les Duman
Phone: 510-305-6396
Les@theCoolTones.org
Music
With over 200 tunes to choose from, the CoolTones Big Band can be ready for any type of event. Choose from Jazz, Swing, Latin, American Song Book, and a bit of Blues, Funk, Rock, R&B, Pop, and novelty tunes. Here is a sampling of a few of our past recordings.