The 48th Street Big Band came together a little over a year ago as the brain child of engineer/bass player Roger Rhodes when he received permission to use the arrangements of the late Al Porcino from Al's widow, Erna Tom. Al and Roger had been friends since 1971 when Roger played bass in Al's New York band, eventually backing up Mel Torme at the Maisonette at the St. Regis Hotel in 1974. Soon after, Al moved to Munich, Germany, where he began his own very successful big band.

Although Roger had collected arrangements back in the '60s, he enlisted his friend and colleague, arranger/composer Glen Daum, to join him with charts that he had both collected and written so there would a real variety for the players. The book now consists of charts written by the most renowned arrangers in the business: Bob Brookmeyer, Billy Byers, Al Cohn, Bill Holman, Thad Jones, Tiny Kahn, Johnny Mandel, and Frank Wess, to name just a few!

First named the Daum-Rhodes Big Band, the name was changed to reflect the setting of their rehearsals -- 48th Street -- the site of Local 802. They meet once a month for several hours in the union's large club room (which was once home to A&R Recording Studios). The musicians, many of whom also perform in Broadway orhcestras, enjoy the diversion and the challenge of reading new charts every month. Now, on Dec. 8, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., that monthly rehearsal will culminate in a benefit performance for the Local 802 Musicians' Emergency Relief Fund. This fund supports musicians going through hard times, whether financially, physically or emotionally. We ask for your support. All donations are tax deductible. Checks and credit cards will be accepted at the door. Or donate anytime at www.Local802erf.org. We know you will get as much joy listening to these gifted musicians as they get playing for you. We look forward to seeing you there!

WHAT: Live music performance of the 48th Street Big Band (featuring the arrangements of Al Porcino, as interpreted by Roger Rhodes and Glenn Daum)

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Local 802.

WHY: Fundraiser for the Local 802 Musicians' Emergency Relief Fund.

ADMISSION: Donate what you want. All donations will help your fellow Local 802 members who are in need. Checks and credit cards accepted at the door. Or donate anytime at www.Local802erf.org

MORE INFO: E-mail Andy Schwartz by clicking here.