The Big Band

In 2010, a school history project set the stage for a musical journey that would resonate beyond the walls of Pottsville Area High School and onto stages all across Pennsylvania. 

Originally founded by drummer Mike Denchy and sax Joe Senawaitis as “M&J’s Big Band” for a class presentation on the history of big band jazz, M&J Big Band has evolved into a full 17-piece ensemble and a regular fixture in eastern and central Pennsylvania’s jazz scene.  From the outset, the band has found guidance and mentorship from jazz icon and friend Larry Koch of Pottsville’s Braun School of Music.  The band further found its groove under the leadership of now-bandleader John Shoener in 2011, joined by associate bandleader Jacob Shoener in 2013 and assistant bandleader Josh Kovich in 2016. 

Now in their 14th season, and fresh off a 2024 Republican Herald Reader's Choice Award win for Best Live Entertainer, M&J Big Band continues their mission to honor the timeless tunes and rhythms of the Swing-Era big bands and carry them forward into the next generation, with a special emphasis on paying tribute to the music of local Schuylkill County swing legends Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey (Shenandoah, PA) and Les Brown (Reinerton, PA).  Mixing tradition with young talent (the average age of the band is 30!), M&J Big Band draws members from Schuylkill, Northumberland, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Adams Counties- all united by a common love for swing music.  Add in a large library of latin tunes, polkas, modern swing, rock, and everything in between, and the band is sure to have a chart and the personnel for any occasion. 

Throughout the years M&J Big Band has graced stages all across Pennsylvania: entertaining swing dancers at the Valencia Ballroom, Sunnybrook Ballroom, and Berwick WWII Weekend; supporting weddings and private parties at the Yuengling Mansion; opening for the Dave Stahl Big Band; headlining jazz and heritage festivals at high schools and other venues; hosting public concerts at the Majestic Theater, Whispering Oaks Vineyard, and Heisler’s Dairy Bar; and even releasing an album.  The band usually performs from April to August and around the Christmas holiday. 

We hope that you can be a part of our next musical season and join us in our mission to keep the spirit of swing music alive.  Whether you’re planning a corporate gala, church picnic, swing dance, wedding reception, or community festival, let us provide the music for your special occasion.  Call or send us a message on the contact page for more information, or shoot us a like on Facebook at M&J Big Band.  Support Local Live Music!

April 28, 2010: The first edition of "M&J's Big Band" at Pottsville History Night- their only intended gig.  After this, they decided to take the show on the road!  The band played three tunes: Charlie Parker’s “Yardbird Suite”, Glenn Miller’s “In The Mood”, and “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” as made famous by Buddy Rich.

The 2018 edition of the M&J Big Band at the Big Swing Thing II in York, PA.  The band was fortunate to perform for a packed house for the second straight year.

Meet The Band

Saxophones

Trumpets

Trombones

Rhythm Section

The Jazz Combo

With its roots stemming back to the Krimson Kats Jazz Improvisation Group from 2011, the M&J Jazz Combo was started in 2013 as an offshoot group of the M&J Big Band to provide members with an opportunity to perform jazz music in a smaller setting, with flexible instrumentation and a smaller price point.  The combo has performed in various restaurants around the Schuylkill County Area, for different Arts Festivals in coordination with the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts at the Yuengling Mansion, and the Majestic Theater in Pottsville.  The combo has also performed yearly for the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau and various other local civic events.  We are also available for weddings or parties! Contact us today for a quote.

The Brass Choir

The M&J Brass Choir was formed in 2021 as a Brass Quintet to serve the local area.  The Choir has performed for various events around Schuylkill County, including the Explore Schuylkill Christmas Celebrations, as well as various churches.

The Brass Choir includes John Shoener, Jacob Shoener (Trumpets), Josh Kovich (French Horn), Britney Bidding (Trombone), and Chris Circelli (Tuba).

 We are also available for weddings or parties! Contact us today for a quote.