Like to Swing on a Star?
The Olney Big Band is a traditional Big Band located in Olney, Maryland near the Nation’s Capital. The Band’s 18 musicians and two vocalists perform American swing, dance, and jazz music; music of toe-tapping rhythms and memorable melodies of the “Jazz Age” with vocals both melodic and novel. Our vocalists, have received high marks from audiences by crooning, bouncing, and jumping the words of many of the classic numbers in our repertoire.
The Band, a nonprofit organization, has been entertaining audiences in the Washington area since 2002—a thrill for its members, who love sharing their sound with the community. Directed by Dr. Rip G. Rice, the Band provides the opportunity for accomplished musicians to participate in a well-organized music ensemble, supported by an ever growing library. The players are all volunteers whose ages span 7 decades, and the effort put forth by each member is professional in every way.
Although many of the group’s performances are free to the public, revenues supporting the Band are provided by donations, honoraria, and fees from guests and sponsors. Check our schedule for upcoming events.
Photo by - Anne Calamuci