Tuesday, April 2, 2024

M&J Band to Jazz Up Schuylkill County Area through End of 2024


From a high school history project to a renowned 18-piece ensemble, the M&J Big Band has become a cornerstone of the local music scene in the Schuylkill County area. 

Led by John Shoener, with contributions from Jacob Shoener and Josh Kovich, this band traces its roots back to a "History Night" project at Pottsville Area High School in 2010, exploring the rich history of big band jazz.

Throughout its journey, the M&J Big Band has been guided by the expertise of Larry Koch from Pottsville's Braun School of Music, established in 1912. 

The band's repertoire has graced various venues across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, paying homage to luminaries like Les Brown, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, and Frank Sinatra. 

From the Valencia Ballroom to Catalpa Grove at Lakewood Park, the M&J Big Band continues to build a following of Big Band lovers.  

Over the next several months, the band will perform in Schuylkill, Northumberland, Columbia, Montgomery, Northampton, and Lehigh Counties.

Looking ahead, the band promises a lineup of performances, including tributes to local legends such as Les Brown and The Rat Pack - Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr. Their schedule includes appearances at venues like The Majestic Theater in Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven Island Park, as well as headlining events such as the Inaugural North Schuylkill Jazz Festival and the Community Band Festival at The Walk In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven.

RWith most concerts offered free of charge, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the band's website at www.mjbigband.com or follow them on Facebook under "M&J Big Band" for the latest updates.

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M&J Public event schedule through the end of 2024

Saturday, April 27, 2024- 6-9 PM
Les Brown Dance
Tower City American Legion- Tower City, PA- Tickets at door

Friday, May 17, 2024- 8:45-9:30 PM
North Schuylkill Jazz Festival- Ashland, PA- Tickets at door

Monday, May 27, 2024- 6-8 PM
Sweet Arrow Lake- Pine Grove, PA- FREE

Saturday, June 1, 2024- 6-8 PM
SWING DANCE
St. Charles Borromeo Parish- Ashland, PA- Tickets at door

Saturday, June 15, 2024- 6-8 PM
Walk-In Art Center- Schuylkill Haven, PA- FREE

Sunday, June 23, 2024- 5-7 PM
Island Park- Schuylkill Haven, PA- FREE

Sunday, July 21, 2024- 12:30- 2 PM
Berwick Test Track Park- WW2 Weekend- Berwick, PA- FREE

Sunday, July 28, 2024- 2-4 PM
Majestic Theater Show- Rat Pack Tribute- Tickets at door

Thursday, August 1, 2024- 7-9 PM
Trevorton Community Park- Trevorton, PA- FREE

Saturday, August 3, 2024- 6-9 PM
SWING DANCE
Sunnybrook Ballroom- Pottstown, PA- Tickets at door

Saturday, August 17, 2024- 6-8 PM
Claude E. Kehler Park- Shamokin, PA- FREE

Saturday, August 31, 2024- 6:30-8:30 PM
SWING DANCE
St. Anne’s Bethlehem

Saturday, October 5, 2024- 7-9 PM
SWING DANCE
Holy Cross Parish- New Philadelphia, PA- Tickets at door

Saturday, December 14, 2024- 7-9 PM
Swingin’ Christmas VI- Majestic Theater- Pottsville, PA- SHOW 1- Tickets at door

Sunday, December 15, 2024- 3-5 PM
Swingin’ Christmas VI- St. John the 23rd Parish- Tamaqua, PA- SHOW 2- Tickets at
door