Photo by Lynn Redmile
Danny Tobias and Friends
Sunday, March 14, 2027 at 2pm
Community Arts Center
414 Plush Mill Road
Wallingford, PA 19086
Hot, melodic, swinging jazz from a band of first-call players from the New York–Philadelphia traditional jazz scene. Expect classic standards and early jazz played with warmth, wit and plenty of room for each musician to shine.
Background
Danny Tobias – Leader, Cornet, Trumpet, E-Flat Horn
A Trenton native who has played professionally since his teens, Danny was mentored by Tony DiNicola and Kenny Davern and is best known for his artful improvisation. His biggest influences are Louis Armstrong, Ruby Braff, Buck Clayton and Chet Baker. He has appeared at Birdland with David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Eternity Band, with Marty Grosz’s Hot Wings, and with the Midiri Brothers’ Sextet at jazz festivals around the country. He has also worked with Warren Vaché, Scott Robinson, Vince Giordano, Harry Allen and Jon-Erik Kellso.
Jim Lawlor – Drums, Vocals
A Philadelphia native, Jim moved to Atlantic City in 1979 and found his mentor in local legend Chris Columbo, longtime drummer for Louis Jordan. From Columbo he learned to really listen and to properly accompany other musicians. Jim became a fixture in Atlantic City clubs, casino lounges and Jersey Shore venues. He met the Midiri Brothers at the Sands in 1989, beginning a musical partnership that continues today.
Dan Block – Reeds
A St. Louis native and Juilliard-trained clarinetist, Dan spent years with Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks. He moves easily between mainstream and traditional jazz, with credits ranging from Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra to Marty Grosz. His clarinet and saxophone can be heard in The Aviator and HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. He has also recorded with vocalists including Rosemary Clooney and Tony Bennett, and has played on at least 30 Broadway shows.
Pat Mercuri – Guitar, Banjo
A versatile guitarist, mandolinist and banjoist, Pat performs, tours and records with the Midiri Brothers, and also plays jazz, pop and classical music.
Joe Plowman – Bass
A Philadelphia native, Joe tours internationally as bassist and composer with Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five. At home he plays with Marty Grosz, Warren Vaché, Larry McKenna and Danny Tobias, and leads his own Grand Slam Trio. The Grand Slam Trio celebrates the music of swing bassist Slam Stewart. Joe is a Temple University alumnus.