Riverside Jazz Orchestra

This section contains information about the Riverside Jazz Orchestra - A 16-piece big band perfect for larger wedding receptions, corporate dances or concerts.

"The Riverside Jazz Orchestra is one of the very best big bands I have worked with in the northwest." - Carl Fontana

The Riverside Jazz Orchestra (formerly known as the Wind Machine Big Band) was originally formed in 1991 to provide the musicians of Boise with a creative outlet for their musical talents. The group itself is made up of some of the best instrumentalists in the Treasure Valley: professional musicians, as well as band directors from local schools and universities. And if you look closely at the band, you'll probably recognize several members of the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra.

The leader and executive director of this powerful musical ensemble is trombonist Jim McMillan, who began running the band after the previous director, Lyle Manwaring, relocated to Florida in 1997.

The Riverside Jazz Orchestra's extensive repertoire lends itself to a wide variety of musical formats: everything from dances and performances where the Riverside Jazz Orchestra is the featured performer, to backing up other artists. Local credits include multiple performances at the Boise River Festival, Ste. Chapelle Winery and the Western Idaho Fair. The band has also performed locally with Gene Harris, Blood Sweat & Tears, Ben Vereen, the Fifth Dimension, Manhattan Transfer, Ray Charles and the Idaho Dance Theater.

In addition to the group's local performances, the Riverside Jazz Orchestra is frequently called to perform out-of-state engagements throughout the northwest, backing up major stars such as Rich Little, Jim Nabors, Debbie Reynolds, the Temptations, and Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.

Because so many members of the Riverside Jazz Orchestra are music educators, the group is very active in community and school music programs. In 1993, the group launched the "Jazz under the Stars" Concert Series and Clinic Program, which brings famous musicians from all over the world to Boise. As part of this program, the band performed with many guest artists, including Louie Bellson, Bill Watrous, Chuck Findley, Ernie Watts, Gary Burton, Carl Fontana, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Billy Cobham, Don Menza, Dave Weckl, Lew Soloff, and Jeff Jarvis.

Today, the educational tradition of the Riverside Jazz Orchestra continues with the band's involvement with the Gene Harris Jazz Festival at BSU, backing up such artists as trumpeter Arturo Sandoval (1999), Chuck Mangione (2000) and Diane Schuur (2001).

So what does the future hold for the Riverside Jazz Orchestra?  Idaho's sky is the limit!

Demo Files

(None Available)

Songlists

Riverside Jazz Orchestra


For booking inquiries, quotes or other information, please click on the following link:

You may also contact us directly at:

Musicians Contact Service of Boise
c/o Jim McMillan
3902 N. Burnstead Place
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 841-0441 (cell)
(208) 375-1112 (home
email: jim2@boisebands.com

Updated: December 31, 2006