Max Weinberg Big Band to Perform Oct. 8 in CFA

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will present Max Weinberg Big Band on Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. in the Mainstage theatre in the Center for the Arts on the UB North Campus.

Entering what might be called the third act of an already celebrated career, Max Weinberg leads the Max Weinberg Big Band, a bold, swinging 15-piece aggregation that continues the traditions established by his musical heroes -- among whom, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Doc Severinsen and Maynard Ferguson lead the pack.

Weinberg has also spent 36 years performing and recording with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. Though citing his work through the years with Bruce and The E Street Band as, "the attainment of everything a 12-year-old drummer from the suburbs of Jersey ever dared to dream," Weinberg has kept himself busy for nearly four decades performing with the likes of Paul McCartney, Sting, Tom Jones, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bono of U2 and Levon Helm. Of particular importance and one of his biggest thrills was backing Tony Bennett on television, a venue where Mr. Bennett rarely performed without his own group.

Along with a thousand concerts in arenas and stadiums all over the world as a member of The E Street Band, Weinberg has performed in the East Room of the White House with the Navy Big Band (2006), the Grammy Awards (2003, 2005) and the televised Presidential Inaugural Galas (1993, 1996). He served as the music director for 1998's Comic Relief starring Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, and Billy Crystal.

Weinberg also has worked as a session musician, enjoying particular success in connection with songwriter Jim Steinman. Weinberg drummed on the immensely popular Meatloaf album, Bat Out Of Hell. At one point in 1983 he was featured on the No. 1 and No. 2 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" and Air Supply's "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All."

Tickets for Max Weinberg Big Band are $36.50 and $31.50 general admission, and $26.50 for students (any school). Tickets are available at the Center for the Arts Box Office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and all Ticketmaster locations, including ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets, call 1-800-745-3000; in Canada, call 416-870-8000. For Group Sales, call 716-645-6771. For more information call 716-645-2787.