Big band to play 50's, 60's favorites

DOWNEY - The Wiseguys Big Band, an 18-piece ensemble "dedicated to keeping great music alive," will perform Wednesday at Furman Park as part of the city's free summer concert series.The concert starts at 7 p.m. The Montebello-based big band features a screaming horn line, along with a rhythm section and talented vocalists. Their repertoire includes tunes from Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darrin and Peggy Lee, along with hits by big band favorites Glenn Miller, Perez Prado and Buddy Rich. The Wise Guys also know how to keep audiences on their feet with classic mambos and cumbias. Longtime community activists, the band has received recognition for the volunteerism, including acknowledgment from Rep. Grace Napolitano, who praised the Wise Guys for "outstanding talent and significant contributions to enhancing, through music, the quality of life in the community." They were also honored as "Volunteers of the Year' by Los Angeles County. Residents attending the concert should bring blankets or lawn chairs. Food and drinks will be sold at the park.

********** Published: July 26, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 15