Burgie personally traveled with the Big Bands during the 40's and 50's. More about Burgie Crandall.

Burgie’s "Let’s Dance Band" has been together for about 23 years. Previously he had several other bands ranging from trios and small combos up to 16-piece band. Burgie has a great reputation with musicians who have worked with him in Chicago, the Mid-West in the 40’s and 50’s (in the big band era), in Washington, DC; New York in the 50’s, in the Pacific Northwest and Palm Springs, and Phoenix. Everywhere he goes he encounters previous private and public school students and fellow musicians. 

Burgie’s bands have played for shows with guest stars from Las Vegas, conventions, reunions, wedding receptions, music festivals, the Queen of the West stern wheeler and the Viking Serenade cruise ship, dance clubs and dance studios. He is also highly sought after for New Year’s Eve every year.

Prior to his relocation to Arizona in 2004, his band played for 6 months at the Chinook Winds Casino on the beach in Lincoln City, OR, the Pavilion Ballroom in Palm Springs, historic Timberline Lodge at Mt Hood for 5 years, the vintage Viscount Ballroom, Oak’s Park Dance Pavilion and countless private bookings for over 30 years in Portland, Oregon.

Since arriving in Arizona, the Let’s Dance Band has played at least twice weekly for dances in Mesa, Sun City, Sun Lakes, and Chandler. They played for 6 months at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa. They have also played for many private events including a prom in Scottsdale, anniversaries, birthday parties and a corporate function for the helicopter tour service in Tusyan, Arizona, very near the Grand Canyon. This has been very active hard working band and in the past 2 years has played as many as 6 events in one week.

DATELINE – JULY, 2006 ONE O’CLOCK JAZZ BIG BAND

Burgie Crandall realizes his JAZZ DREAM 63 years late.

Hard working saxophonist and band leader, Burgie Crandall says, “Raising and supporting a big family (7 children) sometimes causes us to postpone our dreams. Now, at age 77, I can play jazz, too.” Playing jazz has rarely been lucrative except for the rare talent. Early on, I turned to teaching and commercial music to support my family.

NOW HE IS REALIZING HIS JAZZ DREAM. Burgie has just recently organized the ONE O’CLOCK JAZZ BIG BAND, and will tribute the jazz big band leaders– like Stan Kenton, Ellington, Basie, etc. Burgie says, “It is rare that a professional musician gets the opportunity to play really challenging music and share his talents with those who appreciate great big band jazz. I am really grateful that some of the best talent in Phoenix is helping me and together we are realizing our dreams.” After years of collecting jazz big band charts he is having his first rehearsals in July and opens AUGUST 3, 2006 at 7:30pm, at HORNBLOWERS JAZZ CLUB, 6209 E., MAIN, in Mesa, Arizona. Just as Stan Kenton did, Burgie will feature a full brass, sax, and rhythm section.

Burgie says, “I’m a very lucky man. I have done what I love all my life. Playing saxophone has brought joy to me, given enjoyment to others, and provided a living for my family. How many other men have done what they love all their life?”