The Stardust Memories Big Band
The Stardust Memories Big Band is the vision of founder and band leader Craig Christman, and was created to perform this great music for the enjoyment of audiences in SW Florida. And, to play it with the quality and energy with which it was originally performed and recorded.
Our Mission
- Assemble a premier musical ensemble to perform the highest quality big band shows available to public and private audiences in SW Florida
- Support young, aspiring musicians from local area schools
Our Support of Youth in the Arts
The support and development of young musicians from our local SW Florida area schools is a significant Mission objective. The continued generosity of our audiences has made it possible for us to provide annual financial support to these youth arts organizations:
Music for Minors Foundation - provides musical instruments to aspiring young musicians nominated by their schools. Students must meet academic requirements and demonstrate financial need.
The Music Foundation of SW Florida - sponsors Summer Music & Arts Camps, a Fifth Grade Traveling Instrument Program, Music Festivals, and various scholarships and grants to area music students.
Our Resume
The Stardust Memories Big Band (SMBB) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), professional jazz orchestra. The band’s collective resume includes
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
The Count Basie Orchestra
The Duke Ellington Orchestra
The Buddy Rich Orchestra
The Woody Herman Orchestra
The Airmen of Note
The Jay Leno Tonight Show Band
Tower of Power
Chicago
Wayne Cochran & the C.C. Riders
And performances with artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Doc Severinsen, Rod Stewart, Quincy Jones, Johnny Mathis, Nathalie Cole, Steve and Eydie Gorme, Nat King Cole, Ann Hampton Callaway, Tom Jones, Lou Rawls, Barry Manilow, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Joe Bonamassa and numerous orchestras and Broadway shows.
