WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
A few kind comments about our band and its goals:
Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland - Nov. 28, 2012
Dear Jim,
Thanks to you and your splendid musicians for a really superb and completely enjoyable program today. I am still smiling at the wonderful spirit and fabulous playing and singing. Please extend our thanks to everyone!!
BRAVO to all! --- Todd Wilson, the Canon for Music and Worship at Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland.
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Mount Vernon (Ohio)
News - May 18, 2009
by Mark S. Jordan, Staff Writer
Knowing nothing about the Cleveland TOPS Swingband when I walked out onto the Memorial Theater's balcony Sunday afternoon, I wasn't prepared to have my socks blown off. But on the band's first full blast, I think my socks may have landed somewhere down on the main floor. I sat up in my seat and realized that this group was something special.
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Medina Gazette - Nov. 15, 2005
MUSIC
FOR SENIORS
They are billed as The Cleveland Tough Old Pros Swingband and they play
classic big band music for seniors by seniors. The vocalists Ron Davis
and Larry Patch bring back memories of an early Billy Eckstine and Frank
Sinatra. This group of talented artists performed to a full house, 125
residents and 75 people from the general public, at a complimentary concert
hosted by the Western Reserve Masonic Community November 3. Reservations
were filled a full week in advance in anticipation of their visit and
on the afternoon of the concert they were so well received they played
for an hour and a half, longer than planned, at the request of the appreciative
crowd. Following the concert, TOPS offered CDs for voluntary donations
which were purchased very quickly. ....TOPS
is reaching out to activities directors at senior centers and senior resident
facilities as well as anyone who knows of a group that would enjoy listening
to the music of the Big Band Era.
********
"This
is an unusual collection of Cleveland's dedicated professional musicians.
I know and have played with many of them and there are none finer."
---Hal
Lynn, a long-time, eminently successful Cleveland bandleader and impresario
as owner of the Hal Lynn Agency.
********
"Thanks for sending me the info about the new CLEVELAND Tough
Old Pro SWINGBAND. I think it's a fantastic idea! These talented veteran
musicians fill a void in the listening pleasures/desires of our senior
community. When I stuck my nose in at your recent rehearsal, it was like
walking into a living "Hall of Fame" of the area''s great musicians
- musicians with illustrious histories and performance credits with some
of our country's greatest big bands. I wish you and the group much success
and I offer any help I can to make things work."
---Don Santa-Emma,
recently retired president, the Cleveland Federation of Musicians.
********
This is in response to the band performing for Vince Patti's memorial service, McGregor Home, July 11, 2005.
Dear
All:
This note is just to thank you all once again for the great send off you
gave our Dad on Monday. What a wonderful tribute to him and thanks ever
so much to the Tops Swingband for your great performance! I am sure Dad
was smiling down on all of us that day! With great respect and admiration, --- Doug Pattie and the Vince Patti Family
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Dear
Dick:
The band concert at Lakewood Park last evening was just great, and I so
enjoyed hearing the music I grew up with. I know TOPS will get more gigs
because so many of us long for that long ago music. ---Barb G.
********
Dick:
July 10 with Cleveland Tops was a delightful experience for the Bercaw's.
Next time I'll know to invite a bunch of others to meet us at the park
so they can hear you, too. ---Best, Ruth Bercaw
********
Dick,
Thanks for the heads-up on your Lakewood concert. I got to see and hear
your grand band. What a fun night!. I took a few stills photos that I'll
send to you one of these days. The music and the sound were just terrific
and folks really enjoyed it.
---Neil McCormick, President, Cinecraft
Productions
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Dear
Dick,
I enjoyed your concert last night at Lakewood Park. It brought back memories
of the ballroom at Cedar Point when Jack and I were dating. Your vocalist
was outstanding! Thanks so much and I hope to hear you and the band again.
---Sally Reed