✦   Est. Bethel, CT   ✦

Bethel Big Band

Classic Sound  ·  Modern Energy  ·  Community Spirit

Local educators, parents, students, and guest artists — bringing jazz to life from Count Basie to Koji Kondo.

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About the Band

A Community Powered Ensemble

The Bethel Big Band is a community jazz ensemble rooted in Bethel, CT — built by and for the people who love jazz. Our ranks include local educators, working musicians, parents, students, and guest artists who share one thing: a love for the big band sound.

Our repertoire spans the full spectrum of jazz tradition and beyond — from the swinging classics of Count Basie and Charles Mingus to unexpected gems like Koji Kondo's iconic video game compositions arranged for full big band.

We're passionate about accessibility, performance, and keeping jazz alive in our community. Whether it's a concert hall, outdoor festival, school event, or private gig — we bring the full sound.

17+ Musicians
Multiple Ensembles
∞ Grooves
100% Community
Bethel Big Band full group photo with instruments

The Bethel Big Band

From Count Basie to Koji Kondo, we bring jazz to life with a bold mix of tradition and innovation. Every rehearsal, every performance is a reminder of why we play.

— Bethel Big Band

What We Play

Swing Bebop Basie-Style Mingus Video Game Jazz Original Charts Trad Jazz

Trad Jazz Ensemble

The Speakeasy Sound

Within the Bethel Big Band family lives a second, more intimate ensemble — the Trad Jazz outfit. Drawing from the roots of jazz — New Orleans second lines, Dixieland stomp, and hot 1920s swing — this group transforms any room into a smoky speakeasy.

Perfect for Mardi Gras parties, speakeasy-themed events, corporate gatherings with a vintage twist, or any occasion that calls for authentic early jazz energy.

Mardi Gras Parties Speakeasy Events New Orleans Vibes Dixieland 1920s Swing Corporate Events Festivals
Book Trad Jazz

The Password Is... Jazz.

Step through the unmarked door. The air is thick with cigarette smoke and the sound of a clarinet weaving through a walking bass. This is what the Bethel Trad Jazz ensemble brings to life — authentic, rootsy, feel-it-in-your-bones jazz that makes strangers dance together.

"The kind of music that turns any room into a party and any party into a memory."

Mardi Gras dance floor at Lost Fox Inn — Bethel Trad Jazz
Vocalist at Lost Fox Inn Mardi Gras
Guitar and tuba — Lost Fox Inn
Tuba — Lost Fox Inn Mardi Gras
Audience enjoying Mardi Gras jazz at Lost Fox Inn
Drummer behind plants — Lost Fox Inn

Mardi Gras Night  ·  The Lost Fox Inn  ·  Feb. 15, 2026

Three Ensembles

Pocket Edition

Bethel Big Band Pocket Edition at Broken Symmetry
Vocals and guitar Pocket Edition
Pocket Edition full group at Broken Symmetry
7-Piece Combo  ·  Chamber Jazz

Bethel Big Band:
Pocket Edition

This seven-piece combo, comprised of members from the Bethel Big Band, delivers an imaginative blend of jazz that takes its cues from contemporary chamber jazz groups rather than traditional big band repertoire.

Drawing inspiration from ensembles such as the Brian Blade Fellowship Band, Aaron Parks' Little Big, and the Brad Mehldau Trio, their setlist balances the explorations of modern composers like Louis Cole and Bon Iver with classics from Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.

With a focus on intimate, expressive arrangements, the group incorporates jazz-inspired interpretations of pop songs and vocal selections — bringing a fresh perspective that resonates with both longtime jazz listeners and newcomers alike.

Chamber JazzContemporaryBrad MehldauBrian BladeArt BlakeyPop InterpretationsIntimate Venues

Inspired by

Brian Blade Fellowship  ·  Aaron Parks' Little Big  ·  Brad Mehldau Trio  ·  Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers

Book Pocket Edition
Sax Section — Jazz Night
Sax Trio — Jazz Night
The Full Pocket Edition
Archtop Guitar — Pocket Edition
Deep in the Music

Live Shows

Upcoming Performances

APR1

2nd Annual Bethel Jazz Festival

Bethel High School  ·  Bethel, CT  ·  7:00 PM

Big Band
FEB15

Mardi Gras Night at the Lost Fox Inn

The Lost Fox Inn  ·  Bethel, CT  ·  Past Show

Trad Jazz
📅   More dates coming soon — follow us on Instagram & Facebook for the latest announcements, or contact us to book.

Listen & Watch

The Sound

Live recordings and performances from the Bethel Big Band. Turn it up.

🎮 Mini Game

Get Ziggy to the Gig!

Help our jazz musician navigate the city streets to reach the venue — but watch out for the obstacles!

←→ Move    ↑ / SPACE Jump    ENTER Start

Book The Band

Let's Make Music

Whether you're looking for a full big band experience or the intimate energy of the Trad Jazz ensemble, the Bethel Big Band is available for a wide range of events:

  • Concerts & festivals
  • Mardi Gras & themed parties
  • Corporate events & galas
  • School and community events
  • Private celebrations
  • Speakeasy nights

Or email us directly: [email protected]