The Cape Cod Moonlighters Big Band was formed in 1989 by a few close musician friends. They included Len Savery – Trumpeter/Director, Carl Justice – Percussionist and Bob Ingals – Saxophonist. They held a common vision, using their talents to bring the classic “big band” orchestra sound of the 30, 40 & 50’s to the region. Befitting of their vision for playing Big Band Era swing, they were based in Historic Sandwich, MA, known as the Oldest Town on Cape Cod! Its members came from many of the quaint New England style “Villages”, as the towns are known on Cape Cod, where the band travels and performs.
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As the Band’s popularity grew, so did the membership, which reached sixteen members and added its first vocalist, Linda Delorey, in 1994. The Band’s repertoire of arrangements grew to over 240. Many were the original “stock” arrangements from back in the day, but also included were newer arrangements from the 60’s to the present day.
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Just some of the locations where the Moonlighters regularly performed were:
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Ocean Edge Conference Center
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Coonamesset Inn
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Chatham Bars Inn
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Wequasset Inn
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Sandwich Hollows
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Willow Bend Country Clubs
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Cape Codder
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Sheraton Tara Hotels
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Sandwich Taverna
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The Sons of Italy
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Rof Mar Lodge
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Southport Retirement Community
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Heatherwood Retirement Community
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Additionally, the Sandwich historic Heritage Plantation, and Liberty Hall in Plymouth were wonderful settings. Frequent stops at the Cape Cod Melody Tent, Ziterion Theater, alongside the Cape Symphony Orchestra at the annual “Pops Goes the Summer” event, and even at the Barnstable County Fair Grounds!
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The Moonlighters members also volunteered their time/talent at special benefit performances, including the March of Dimes, The American Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Early Learning Center in Harwich, Boys and Girls Club of America, Chatham’s Monomoy Theater, and the Sandwich School’s Music Programs.
The original founder, Director and Trumpeter Len Savery, relocated to Florida in October of 2015, to enjoy a much deserved retirement in another sandy location known for its famous beaches. A gala event marking Len’s contributions and leadership was held to a standing room only crowd in the Bayview Room at Sandwich Hollows Country Club in June of that year. It was a fitting tribute to Len, and a great “send-off” for him into retirement.
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A long-time member of the band under Len’s tutelage stepped up to the daunting task of managing and performing in the Moonlighters. Bob Katcher, an accomplished trumpeter and longtime employee of WHOI (Retired) rose to the challenge and continues to lead/manage and perform with the band since Len’s departure in 2015. Bob has “re-imagined” the band’s makeup, while staying true to the original vision set out by Len and his two founding members. Bob has added many new and challenging arrangements, including ones specifically arranged for the Band from Cape Cod and South Coast area arrangers. Bob also reconfigured and expanded the membership to 18 performers, including both male and female vocalists. This expanded size allows for more flexibility in the types and complexity of the arrangements that can be performed, while staying consistent with original founder’s vision. Read more about Bob’s musical history as well as other members of the bands on our bio page here.
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The Cape Cod Moonlighters Big Band continues its fine history of providing classic swing/dance music in the style and tradition of the Big Band Era while modernizing our sound with new members and up-to-date arrangements that we hope you and your family will enjoy for years to come. See our schedule for more upcoming events, and bring your friends and family alike.
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If you have a particular connection to the band from over the years, or a story that comes to mind when you first heard about or saw the Band, we’d love to hear about it. Write your comments, and help us relive and expand the story and rich history of the Cape Cod Moonlighters Big Band.