About

 
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A unique and engaging spectacle for all ages;

The Brighton Beat's influences range from Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, to modern cutting-edge NYC Jazz with a heavy helping of classic New Orleans brass band Funk. Performing up and down the East coast since 2010, the band has developed a style of performance that uniquely engages the audience and is fun for the whole family. Positive, uplifting, danceable music is a trademark of The Brighton Beat sound. Instrumental songs that feature room for the horn section to improvise anchor the band's set, but the show often includes guest vocalists, audience participation, group sing-a-longs and even the occasional circus act.

The Brighton Beat have the honor to perform with many legendary artists such as Femi Kuti, Roy Hargrove, Mike Stern and The Soul Rebels just to name a few. In their hometown of NYC, the band has been featured at venues like The Brooklyn Bowl, The Blue Note, Joe's Pub and many more. In an effort to give back to younger musicians and inspire the next generation, The Brighton Beat developed their flagship in-school education program; Jazz In The Classroom and has been bringing it to schools for almost 10 years.

Faculty of Berklee, New England Conservatory, NYU, Broadway pit musicians, top call session players, and world touring musicians all call The Brighton Beat there own, their home and heart. The fruit of their lifelong passion for music art and entertainment is presented each night on stage for all to experience and be inspired by. This passion, honesty and positive music is deeply necessary in our current cultural climate. This family truly believes in the power of music, and all it can bring.

Welcome home.

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The Family

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The Brighton Beat is a large collective, but a close family.

 

The current core lineup is:

  • Sammy Wags - drums

  • Derek Van Wormer - bass

  • Dan Glaude - alto/soprano sax

  • Nat Ranson - trombone

  • Drew Vandewinckel - tenor sax

  • Nick Benitez - trumpet

  • Joe Natale - tenor sax/bari Sax

  • Michael Iaciofano - guitar

  • Ryan Datino - guitar

  • Ryan Nava - percussion/vocals

  • Matt Graff - percussion

 

Often including family members:

  • Ryan Hinchey - bass

  • Jon Bean - tenor sax

  • Mark Zaleski - alto/soprano sax

  • Freddy Gonzalez - trombone

  • Emily Pecoraro - alto/tenor sax

  • Bobby Spellman - trumpet

  • Jack Kotze - trombone

  • Jaedon Alvira - tenor/alto sax

  • Greg Schettino - guitar

  • Ray Sullivan - guitar

  • Ben Teters - percussion

  • Ron Harter - trumpet

  • Mark Cocheo - guitar

  • Andrew Klein - percussion

  • Jimmy Lopez - percussion

  • Patrick Dalton - percussion

  • Leo Ciaramitaro - percussion

  • Zach Kamins - keyboards