Lauren, September 2002
Wayne performs "Lament" (J.J. Johnson), accompanied by Steve Piermarini on trombone, Larry Baione on guitar, Stephan Arsenault on bass and Don Pentleton on drums. Recorded March 30, 2003 at the Martin Institute, Stonehill College. This performance is a tribute to Lauren Michelle Branco, and was a part of a benefit concert for the Lauren Michelle Branco Scholarship Fund at Stonehill College.
This concert featured Artie Barsamian's Boston Big Band with vocalist Steve Marvin in "Perfectly Frank, a Tribute to Frank Sinatra." The concert was an overwhelming success, and served not only as a loving tribute to Lauren, but also provided a large initial sum to fund the scholarship established in Lauren's name.
Thank you to the Boston Big Band...
I will be forever grateful to all of my friends and colleagues of the Boston Big Band, who eagerly donated their enormous talents, energy and time to this project. It is a great comfort to have so many wonderful friends who gave this gift to my family in our darkest hour.
Artie Barsamian, our "main man," with a heart of gold! Thanks for making me part of your musical family, some 18 years ago.
Steve Marvin, you're the tops! You were the soul of this performance. We've been friends for more than 20 years - here's to the next 20!
Steve Piermarini, you arranged tunes, wrote the program notes, created the flyer, helped setup/breakdown the stage, conducted the band, played lead trombone, helped me get thru Lament. I couldn't have done this without you!
...and the rest of the band - you are all extraordinary people!
Lou Stamas - alto sax, clarinet Vinnie Penella - alto sax, clarinet, flute
Nick Goumas - tenor sax Judy Piermarini - tenor sax, clarinet Art Bakopolus - bari sax
Jeff Hoyt - Jerry Ceeco - Marty Shwartz - Lee Walkowich - trumpets
Steve Piermarini - Brian Kay - trombones
Larry Baione - guitar Stephan Arsenault - bass Don Pentleton - drums