The Rick Brunetto Big Band now in its 15th year, was formed as a means of bringing together some of the area's best musicians dedicated to the preservation of the Big Band sound.

In a day and age where small electronic groups have all but replaced 17 piece bands, this group has seemingly achieved the impossible. For over 14 years they have maintained a steady engagement, appearing in various clubs and hotels in the Columbus area. Seventeen piece bands are virtually unheard of in cocktail lounges, but this bands unique situation has enjoyed enormous success and support from the many people who come every week to listen and dance to the Big Band sound.

"Finding a place to play was difficult at first", Brunetto recalls. We knocked on many doors, but places were reluctant to take a chance on a band that size. Finally the 94th Aero Squadron agreed to give it a try. The results were overwhelming. By the third week the place was packed. The word had spread quickly about the big band at the Aero Squadron. Many people remarked how great it was to listen and dance to this wonderful music and the band played to full houses every Sunday. When Montego Bay opened its doors they to saw the merits of this music and most Tuesday nights had 600 people dancing to the Rick Brunetto Big Band.

Equally comparable to the fine musical sound is the bands enthusiasm and love for what the do. It is notable the Brunetto frequently closes their performances by saying, "Ladies and gentleman, spread the word - Big Bands are back".