In 2002, trombonist Jim Zoller and trumpeter Roger Morgan assembled 17 of Eastern PA’s top musicians to form this first-rate jazz orchestra. Spanning seven decades, the band’s roster claims the cream of West Chester University’s renowned Criterions Jazz Ensemble alumni, plus some of the great players from Berks County’s legendary jazz lineage. The group’s musical director is H. Lee Southall.

A perennial favorite at Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base in Reading, The Last Big Band has performed at festivals, jazz clubs, ballrooms, and private celebrations throughout the region and appears regularly at the popular Berks Jazz Fest. Along with some old chestnuts from the classic swing era, the band’s repertoire includes the best literature from the contemporary big band libraries, plus outstanding original charts from the band’s own talented arrangers. Particular mention goes to pianist Dave Heck whose devoted effort and considerable skills have provided the organization with countless simply great charts, and the band’s latest album, HECK, YEAH! The Last Big Band Plays the Arrangements of Dave Heck enjoying frequent airplay on Philadelphia’s WRTI 90.1.