The M & M Big Band started as a result of
a conversation between Duane Moore and Dr. Henry Minster, both members of the
Salt City Dixie Jazz Band in Manistee, Michigan. Thus M & M could represent
Manistee Michigan or Minster and Moore or Moore and Minster. But most importantly Minster and Moore
have the burning desire to keep big band music alive and thriving.
The band consists of five reeds, three trumpets, three trombones, a bass,
percussion, piano and a vocalist. The music is arranged by Duane Moore and is
mainly the music of the big band era. Also, to keep with modern times, many more
contemporary numbers have been added to cover all genres of music.
One of the unique features of the Big Band is that all the members of
the Salt City Dixie Jazz Band and the substitutes are included in the M & M Big Band. This allows
for versatility for a variety of requests. In essence it is two for the price of
one. Once again no one in the band is paid with all proceeds going to the student scholarship fund. Whether listening or dancing, or both, the band has proven to be very
popular in North West Michigan.
The season runs from approximately May 1 until
October 31. The M & M Big Band schedule appears with the Dixie Jazz Band on the Schedule
page. Contact information is the same for either group.