Founder - Harvey Tuckman

Harvey Tuckman started the Fairfield Counts in 1976 to recreate and perpetuate the legacy and music of the Big Band Era. He has researched and collected an extensive library of the original music arrangements as played and recorded by the great dance bands of that era. Under Harvey’s guidance, the band has maintained a very high caliber of musicianship and professional performance for decades.

Vocalist - Michele Grace

Michele Grace has been singing all her life. Born into a family of musicians and spending time in her parents' music stores, she was exposed to a variety of musical influences. She went on to study acting with Uta Hagen at the H.B. Studios in New York, later joining the faculty for a number of years. The combination of musical knowledge and theatrical training is evident in her moving delivery of a song. Michele has years of professional performance credits to her name and as a teacher, she has a large following of devoted students - many of whom are professionals themselves. Michele loves singing Big Band music with the Fairfield Counts, as it gives her the opportunity to breathe new life into the classics of the great American songbook.

Music Director - Fred Mariano

As music director, Fred brings a lifetime of knowledge and experience about big band music and performance to the Fairfield Counts. While earning his degree in Music Education from the University of Bridgeport, Fred performed in the school jazz ensemble under the direction of Neil Slater. Since then, Fred has performed with all manner of big bands and small groups (often as a featured trumpet soloist) and even brought his extensive musical history knowledge to bear as the host of his own long-running radio program. In addition to performing in numerous theater orchestras and recording studios, Fred’s expertise directing musical groups makes him a perfect fit to conduct the Fairfield Counts.

Saxes

Lead Alto: Frank DiVito from Norwalk
2nd Alto: Jim Carter from Glenville
Lead Tenor: Elliot Zelevansky from Wilton
2nd Tenor: Larry Schwartz from Weston
Baritone: Harvey Tuckman from Norwalk

Trumpets

Lead: Fedele Volpe from Orange
2nd: Joseph Spitzer from Monroe
3rd: Jeff Albright from Shelton
4th: Steve Perrett from Milford

Trombones

Lead: Bob Carlson from Cos Cob
2nd: Roy Victor from Yorktown
3rd: Russ Watsky from Ossining
Bass: Gerry Tondi from Easton

Rhythm

Drums: Gabe Nappi from Stratford
Piano: Kirk Ehrenreich from Mohegan Lake
Bass: Jay Elfenbein from Derby
Guitar: Pat Mediate from Fairfield