Strike up the Band – four words that easily resonate with Lee Burlingame when he reflects on his musical career.
A lifetime music aficionado whose love for melody knows no bounds, Burlingame founded the 20th Street Jazz Band in Vero Beach 10 years ago. He serves as the director of the eclectic local group, whose members range in age from 18 to 80-something.
The band is currently comprised of approximately 16 members, featuring saxophone, trombone and rhythm sections, along with three vocalists.
Their music is as varied as its musicians, with a range of musical genres that include greatest hits from recording artists such as Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington, as well as those of the Beatles, Steely Dan, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
He says their diverse set list, which is updated monthly, has approximately 200 charts in all, guaranteeing that there will be something that appeals to everyone.
“The set list is the show. You’ve got to play what you love,” says Burlingame. He adds that they can play upwards of 30 works during a single gig.
While Burlingame admits that their work tends to appeal to an older demographic, over time he says they have been attracting slightly younger audiences of people in their 50s and 60s.
Burlingame says that he has thoroughly enjoyed his time as a band director and as a performer.
“I love all of it. Synergy happens when we’re playing. The kids bring the energy and enthusiasm, and the senior members bring the experience, which is invaluable,” he says.
He believes music can have that same therapeutic effect on others as well.
“Music just made me feel good when I was growing up. If I had a bad day, I’d come home, crank up the stereo, and listen to some of my favorite artists. After about 20 minutes, I was in a much better mood,” says Burlingame, whose musical idols include Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and Grover Washington.
A native of Utica, New York, Burlingame says he began his musical career in elementary school.
In fourth grade, he played the trumpet, and he transitioned in fifth grade to playing the saxophone.
His affinity for the saxophone extended throughout his college years, where he played in a combo, playing jazz and dance music at various gigs.
After earning a business degree in finance and an MBA in marketing, Burlingame went to work for IBM, traveling and working in sales management for approximately 30 years. He says that while he has no regrets that his playing had to be put on the back burner during his career, he wishes it hadn’t kept him from advancing his music reading technique.
After retirement, Burlingame’s music began to once again take center stage and, after rounding up some 15 fellow musicians, he began the search for a place to rehearse.
Derek Thompson, the manager of the Irish-American Club in Vero Beach, played an “instrumental” role in the band’s early success, offering them a facility in which to hone their musical skills and rehearse weekly for upcoming gigs.
The 20th Street Jazz Band has since moved their weekly rehearsals to the Indian River Charter High School auditorium. Burlingame credits Dave Mundy, the school’s director of Jazz Studies, for allowing them to practice at the school rent-free. In exchange, the band shares any proceeds with IRCHS for its music programs.
“It is a privilege to practice at the school, not a right. We have six high school musicians who practice with us; it’s just a great fit,” says Burlingame.
“These students are really good kids. We can see the professional growth they gain by affording them this experience.”
Burlingame says he enjoys recruiting new members to try out for the band and, although the lion’s share is comprised of fellow retirees, he is always interested in attracting younger musicians.
There are three prerequisites for students who express an interest in playing in the 20th Street Jazz Band. They need to earn the right to play at gigs by showing commitment, which includes exhibiting a genuine interest in music. They have to be punctual for all rehearsals and gigs, and they need to possess the talent and discipline to participate in the band’s rigorous schedule.
When these conditions are in place, he says, “synergy happens. The music part is easy.”
Burlingame stresses the immense value of music.
“It produces great sounds. It just feels cool. Music is a feel-good thing, but it’s also a social thing.
It’s a different language. It allows you to communicate without ever saying a word. Music moves people to love each other.”
The 20th Street Jazz Band plays on the first Monday of each month at the Indian River Charter High School and at Riverside Theatre’s Live in the Loop free outdoor concerts on the third Thursday of each month.
For more information, visit 20thstreetjazzband.com.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
