Band Director
Bernard (Bernie) Wexler, trumpeter, organizor, entrepreneur, event manager; b. Montreal Quebec. Bernie played trumpet for over a decade with popular Preville Big Band under the direction of Tommy Green in Montreal from 1990 to 2000. After moving to Toronto in 2001 Bernie developed his event management company WPI Events to become one of the most successful, popular event management companies in Canada. Bernie’s keen sense of management and years of experience has kept WPI at the top of the list when it comes to corporate events. Photo Streaming services and Pro DJ services have brought international recognition to WPI events. Bernie’s success in the field of management has allowed him to pursue and develop his passion – Metro Big Band. Call Bernie for all booking inquiries.

Band Vocalist, Emcee, Director of Promotion & Public Relations
Rick Levine has been performing in and around the Toronto area for well over a decade. Rick’s dedication to the arts, particularly in the fields of music and entertainment at literally thousands of events is a driving force behind the success of Metro Big Band. Rick's on stage presence, radiant smile, off the cuff humour and polished vocal stylings charm every performance, delighting audiences and maintaining the overall entertainment pace to an event. Rick's vibrant personality brings every single gig to life!

Visit The Rick Levine Band

Musical Director
Patricio Lahman b. Buenos Aires, Argentina has been passionate about the arts from very early on in life and has been playing the saxophone since the age of 12. Apart from the sax, Patricio also plays Latin percussion, keyboards and has been known to belt out a vocal from time to time on live stage productions. Since 1999 Patricio has also been very active in the Toronto latin music and salsa scenes and has performed at various events and music festivals in the city . A musician, dancer and all-around lover of the arts Patricio lives for the thrill of performing and entertaining an audience.

Vocalists

Lisa Levy, a classically trained vocalist, is originally from St. Louis. She's been singing in big bands and combos for twenty years. A self proclaimed "jazz snob", her repertoire includes hundreds of jazz standards, swing and pop songs. Lisa's passion is performing, so she's thrilled to be a part of the Metro Big Band. By day she is a freelance graphic designer. She even created this web site!

Rapping since the age of 15, 'MC FÜBB' graduated from the University of Toronto.'Foundations' recording was subsequently released soon to be followed up with 'Blue Collar Worker' mixes. 'MC FÜBB's establishment of the 'Hip Hop Headz' (H3)project, spawned 'THE CYPHER' showcasing event for MCs and rappers which attracts a substantial following that continues to grow each month. 'In the Face of No Agreement', a collaboration with Brampton producer Noyz, is his current full length LP, released on the label Revolutionary Times Records (RTR).

Whether laying down his poetic, intelligent, and intricate verses in the booth or just freestyling in a cypher, MC FÜBB brings a level of intensity and skill to be reckoned with in the world of hip hop. As an artist, challenging the boundaries or simply working to bridge the musical gap, MC FÜBB's performances with Metro Big Band presents an original, exciting musical combination - always a refreshing musical experience!

Mark Walker has performed in Canada, England and the U.S. as an actor, singer and trumpet player on radio, TV, film and stage. His album “Love’s Smile” expresses his regard for romantic jazz ‘standards’ and his personal approach to the genre.

Saxophones

Alan Freedman has been involved in music for over 35 years. He has had the opportunity to play all types of saxophones in Concert, Jazz and Big Bands and has also played Bassoon in a number of Orchestras. On a yearly basis, Alan promotes the continuance of music after High School by holding a ‘Festival of Winds’ Concert.  The Festival of Winds includes a number of High School bands, which play both separately and then in a massive band, of about 150 players . He provides the high school students with information of other music opportunities around universities and colleges across Canada.

Alan has a real love for music and promotes music as being a method for health improvements at local nursing, retirement homes and hospitals.

Alan also volunteers as a technical stage assistant with Opera York.

Budi Winarto, saxophone

Josh Pelchovitz attained his Bachelor of Music (with Honors) at the University of Windsor. He was honored as being the first Jazz student to be invited as a finalist in the Iiani Scholarship Competition.  Gigging regularly in Windsor, Josh sat as section leader for 4 years in the University of Windsor Jazz Ensemble and could have been more regularly been seen playing with "Huladog" or "The Inedibles" on the A-Channel television show "The Comic Book Syndicate." Josh has taught sax, flute, and clarinet to students all over Ontario, and continues his studies as a music educator and performer at the University of Toronto.

Kristen Au has done numerous gigs as a tenor saxophonist and vocalist. She studied clarinet at the University of Toronto, in the Music Education program, receiving her Bachelor of Music degree in 2007. She also received a Bachelor of Education at York University in 2009, and is an Ontario Certified Teacher and a band officer of the Air Cadets, directing a youth marching band.

In her free time Kristen enjoys traveling, swimming, skating and skiing.

Steve Weingberg attended Jackson Secondary School from 1975 - 1978. At the University of Waterloo, from 1979 - 1984 he played in the Concert Band. From 1990 to the present he has played in the North York Concert Band.

Steve's outdoor pursuits include camping, hiking, kayaking, canoeing and cycling. He is also a competetive runner (4 marathons) and triathlete. He enjoys traveling, listening to music and eating!

Trombones

Denny Ringler hails from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. He has been conducting for 35 years and playing trombone for 55 years.

Denny also enjoys movies, reading and spending time with his wife and family.

Kevin Miller is a music student involved in several bands around Toronto, playing many different styles of music. He is also a songwriter and composer/arranger.

Jerson Munoc, from Quezon City, the Philippines, is currently studying music at Humber College. He has experience playing in swing, Latin, Big Band, brass choir and concert bands.

Jerson enjoys sports and playing video games.

Wilfred Lee, bass trombone, received a Music Performance degree from McGill University.

Wilfred loves coffee and likes to fight the System!

Trumpets

Slava Chak, trumpet

Tyler Reznick studied trumpet under Chase Sanborn. He has performed at many venues, including the Sound Academy, The Ex, Unionville Street Festival, and the Beaches Jazz Festival in a variety of genres.

Tyler also enjoys canoing, playing tennis and swimming.

Rhythm

Andrew Ferguson, bass

Dominic Fiorda, drums

Kenny Simon, guitar - studied Privately with Tony Braden (guitar), Patricia Stewart (Piano) and at Humber College. He is influenced by Eric Clapton, Wes Montgomery, Mason Williams, Paul McCartney, and James Jamenson, leader of the Kenny Simon Hourglass Band.

Kenny also enjoys working out, skiing, movies, theatre, boating & fishing, song writing and composing.

www.kennysimonband.com