What is the best kept secret in Kansas City?  It's Abel Ramirez and his Big Band!   A couple of years ago I wandered into Tony's Bar & Grill in Overland Park where I heard that a group of musicians gathered each week to keep the tradition of the Big Band sound alive.   There I met Abel Ramirez, a former rock and roll drummer who has dedicated his professional life to bringing the sounds of Bassie, SInatra, Darin and Miller to an audience that has only experienced them in old movies.   It is hard to describe the power and exhilaration you experience when 18 of the area's finest musicians perform these classic arrangements.   I was totally blown away!   Playing from charts handed down from generation to generation, you are transferred to a different time and place.  And you just never want them to stop.   I have booked the Big Band twice for events at Lake Winnebago.  The response has been overwhelming!  We packed our community center for two dinner/dances that generated more positive feedback than any of the over 50 events that I have organized.  I must admit that these programs have been the most personally rewarding of anything I have done.   Abel is a pure pleasure to work with.  He is professional in every way and works hard to make an event the best it can be.   My good friend and neighbor Tony DiPardo, ( Mr. Music) chose Abel's band to headline his 95th Birthday celebration.  And no one knows big band better than Tony.   Our community love affair with Abel keeps growing.  On several other occasions he has performed for us with combos made up of different players from his group.  Each time the crowd stays until the last note is played.   Kansas City is blessed to have such a talent dedicated to the rebirth of this classic genre.   Check him out.  Book him if you can.  Before the secret gets out.  

Bob Bennett Lake Winnebago, MO. 

The Sounds of Mr. Ramirez' big band make people spontaneously launch from their seats and move.  I've had the pleasure of hearing them in small and large venues, size does nothing to diminish their great sound and swing.  If you're looking for an evening of fun they will provide it.

Mitzi McFatrich

After several years of enjoying the Abel Ramiriz Big Band on a weekly basis, I hired the band to perform for the national conference of The Association of Women in Communication. The "Kansas City Night" was greatly enhanced with the Big Band and some Kansas City jazz. Our guests from across the country ENJOYED the evening at Kansas City's Union Station. And, we love hearing the band EVERY WEEK!

Priscilla A. Chansky
Administrative Manager
Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project

Your band did an incredible job and made my son's wedding reception a very special event.  All of your band members are professional and gave the party an air of elegance.  Your music was enjoyed by all ages, young and old!!  I highly recommend you at any event! 

Debbie Swinney