About
We are a swing band that plays a variety of styles. We play in concert as well as dances. We have an extensive library for all occasions. We have two books from which we rehearse each month. The full Big Band, and the nonet. Even the smaller group has a large sound that can play the various styles in a more intimate setting. Our musical director and master of ceremonies , Larry Machado, can fine tune a program to fit your needs including traditional swing, jazz, various Latin styles and rock ‘n roll. We’re a professional ensemble that performs regularly providing live music since since 2004.
Band Manager
Curt Langdon
Clarinet was my main instrument until I joined the USN in 1967. I attended the Naval School of Music through 1968. Studied saxophone with Phil Sobel from '73-83. Received my teaching credential in 1978 from California State College, Northridge. I began my teaching career in Los Angeles in 1979 before moving to Reno in 1980. I taught in the elementary gifted and talented program for ten years and then the regular classroom until retiring in 2002. I've been playing sax and clarinet in the Reno/Tahoe area since 1983. A music junky, I've played almost all styles but my heart is with big band jazz. So we started the Let's Dance Band in 2004 to keep swing and dance alive together.
Musical Director
Larry Machado
Larry Machado is an extraordinarily versatile trumpet player. His experience in the house bands in Reno and Lake Tahoe led to performances with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Mel Tormé, Debbie Reynolds and many more. He also plays in the Reno Phil, Reno Chamber Orchestra, Nevada Festival Ballet, previously in the Nevada Opera and various chamber groups. He has played with a variety of performers including Pavarotti, Isaac Perlman, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Michael Bolton, and Billy Ray Cyrus. Larry’s 7-piece jump-jive variety band Brassakward is a popular group in the Reno area, and he plays in a number of additional jazz ensembles and brass groups. He has worked in musical theatre since college, and you can find him in Carson City playing for the Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company for over 60 musicals, including Chicago, Les Mis, and Phantom of the Opera. Larry is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno where he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Music degrees. He is a conductor, clinician and soloist, and taught in the Carson City and Washoe School Districts for 33 years.
Vocals
Cindy Sabatini
Cindy, a native of South St. Paul, Minnesota, has been performing, playing piano and dancing since she was 4 years old! Her diverse musical background includes over 50 musical theater productions in 6 states (either as performer or Musical Director/Accompanist). Favorite roles include Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL, Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Rizzo in GREASE, Sally Bowles in CABARET, Cruella deVil in 101 DALMATIONS, Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, and Lucy in JEKYLL & HYDE. You may remember her as “Mama Morton” in WNMTC’s production of CHICAGO! Currently, she’s a member of the Reno Philharmonic Chorus, Musical Director of Spanish Springs High School’s Spring Musical each year, and featured vocalist with the “Let’s Dance Big Band” and “DG Kicks Big Band”. When not performing, she’s blessed to have a full-time position as Director of Music Ministries at Sparks United Methodist Church where she directs 3 choirs, a praise band and plays piano and organ.