Prohibition Orchestra of Chicago
We are a 10-piece band dedicated to playing the music of the early big band era. All of our arrangem All of our arrangements were published from 1923 to 1934.
It's the real authentic sound, and we're the only Chicago-area band currently playing in this style. Visit our website www.prohibitionorchestra.com for booking information.
The Prohibition Orchestra is remembering our first pianist, Peter Rumbold, who died May 13 at the age of 79. (He is seen here, second from right, in a 2008 photo.) Peter played in the band from 2004 until 2013, when ill health obliged him to bow out. A native of Perth, Australia, Peter came to the United States to pursue a doctorate in composition at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. There he also indulged in his love of traditional jazz, playing in the Jack Webb Band along with reedman Ron Dewar and cornetist Guy Senese. In Chicago, he worked in the DePaul University Library and played for ballet classes at the Hyde Park School of Dance for 26 years. Peter had a vast repertoire and was deeply knowledgeable about traditional jazz, and King Oliver in particular, several of whose recordings he transcribed. He enjoyed the challenge of playing in the Prohibition Orchestra, and always held his own. We will miss him.
A memorial service for Peter is being held at the First Unitarian Church of Chicago, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., on Saturday, June 13 at 11:00 AM.
The band in Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center. Five of us are the same as when the Orchestra last played in this room 12 years ago (check our photos!). L-R: Matt Kern, Gus Friedlander, Daniel Sniderman, Paul Basa, Andi Tauber, Peter Bartels, David Drazin, Fernando "Freddie" Garcia, Airan Wright, Juli Wood and Gary Schepers. Great job, everyone!
A selection of photos from our sold-out performance on September 9, 2017. Sanfilippo is the most remarkable venue we have ever played! Thanks to Al Tauber, roadie and photographer extraordinaire.
What a fun event this was!
The Last Speakeasy
By Judy Carmack Bross
Nearly 800 guests transformed themselves into flappers and dappers for the Chicago History Museum's sold out celebration, “The Last Speakeasy: On the Eve of the Repeal,” on December 1.
Held on the 83rd anniversary of the repeal, partygoers were transported back to the 1930s by the Prohibition Orchestra of Chicago, Templeton Rye craft cocktails, and themed lectures across the Museum.
http://www.classicchicagomagazine.com/the-last-speakeasy/
Prohibition Orchestra at The Chicago History Museum!
Happy Repeal Day!
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Prohibition Orchestra!
http://thoughtcatalog.com/2013/59-quick-slang-phrases-from-the-1920s-we-should-start-using-again/
Michael Murphy IV Photography http://michaelmurphyiv.com/
Prohibition Orchestra
We've posted this before, but once again by popular demand, here's a track from our most recent recording!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok0HXwCWi0o
Traditional jazz band recorded at their session at Riverside Studio in Chicago.
Prohibition Orchestra of Chicago's cover photo