"They're the tightest, most solid ensemble of expert musicians
Milwaukee may ever see. Sargent shines . . ." - The Milwaukee Journal
Celebrating 25 years of serving Wisconsin's finest clients and 25 years of never missing or canceling an engagement for any reason!
25 years ago on November 18, 1982 we debuted our band in the Ballroom of the Bavarian Inn in Glendale (Milwaukee), Wisconsin.
We went from no engagements, to all the very best engagements for the top events and venues in the next two years. Since then, we have gained an international reputation for quality music and entertainment.
We perform for Concerts, Weddings, Conventions, Festivals, Country Clubs, Fundraisers, Corporate Events, Formal Balls, Ballroom Dances, Anniversaries, Grand Openings, Picnics, Tailgate Parties, Celebrations, Birthdays, TV, Radio, General Entertainment, Holidays, Ethnic, Jewish and Christian Events.
Our line-up includes a "REALLY Big Band", a standard 16-piece Big Band with 2 vocalists, Small Groups including Quartets, Trios, Duos, Soloists and a Dixieland Band. We also have Christian Bands and Musicians.
We specialize in Swing, Jazz (Traditional, Dixieland and Straight-Ahead), Big Band, Ballroom, Variety and Christian Music.
Over the years, we have had the VERY BEST musicians in Milwaukee, in Wisconsin, and from around the nation, perform with our bands.
Aretha Franklin, The Drifters, The Shirelles, The Ink Spots, Steve Allen, Pat Metheny, Bowzer from Sha-Na-Na & The Stingrays, Buddy DeFranco, Bob Schulz, Ritchie Cole, Heinie Beau, Dick Contino, Sam Most, Bob Havens, Barrett Deems, Chuck Hedges, Dan Nimmer, Bobby Lewis, Karolyn Kafer, Dave Gannett, Steve Jensen, Paul Wertico, Cliff Almond, Roger Pemberton, Jesse Hauck, Annette Griffin, Michael Bettine, Dick Eliot, Jack Grassel, Howard Schneider and all of the finest musicians in Wisconsin have performed with a Bill Sargent Band.
We have consistently employed more musicians per engagement (on average) and provided more work for musicians in our area over a longer period of time than any other band in existence and probably in the history of the state of Wisconsin.
While other band leaders have cut their big band into imitation big bands, our big band has always remained our big band. We have never cut corners on quality. If someone can't afford us for the gig, we just won't do the gig. I've always felt it was better to let some other band go in and sound bad.
Now, that all said, there have been engagements where a small band, such as a trio, quartet or quintet, and on, have been totally appropriate. In those instances, we have provided exactly what the client needed. But, overall, we have provided a lot of work for the musicians in southeastern Wisconsin and helped provide for many, many families. Many rent and mortgage payments have been met because of work provided by our bands as a result of our fantastic clients.
We have also been a fertile situation for musicians to network and make connections with other musicians. Many musicians have been able to make connections on our bands that have enabled new career opportunities and take their careers to new levels. This has been because of the high level of musicianship and professionalism that we employ and expect. Some people have even met their husband or wife on our band.
PLEASE NOTE: The vast majority of performances we do are private engagements, such as weddings, corporate events, social events and conventions.
Therefore, you'll never know about most of our performances.
However, we are pleased to offer you the public performances listed above under UPCOMING SHOWS. These appearances are rare, and we hope you'll take advantage of them and enjoy them!
IMPORTANT: If the event requires tickets, please honor that requirement. If you come "just to 'check out the band' in the back of the room", and you do not have a ticket, you will be asked to leave. We want our clients to enjoy the very best experience possible. Thank you for your understanding.
You are listening to 2 minute* samples of some of the songs on our new CD,
"The Best Of Bill Sargent Bands - Volume 1"
*The sample for the song "That's A-Plenty" runs 3:20 so you can hear some of our fantastic musicians. You'll get to sample Sax, Clarinet, Trombone & Trumpet solos. The full track runs 8:59.
To securely download hi-quality mp3s of individual tracks, the entire album, or artwork - included with full album purchase, please click on DigStation below.
Hi guys. There is plenty of you. It is three o clock AM and i jump up and down. Who sings over the rainbow? Love the humour of Gene. Cheers from Finland, Antti
Hi Bill-You're very welcome; thanks for your great music, too! Hey, let me know if you ever need a trumpet in any of your groups-30+ years, all styles, read and improv.
