LEO PONTES - alto sax, clarinet, flute

Leo is co-founder and Musical Director of NOSTALGIC REUNION and our primary music arranger.  He has been performing since his teens in many different types of jazz groups, combos and big bands.   Leo spent time in U.S. Army bands in Fairbanks, AK and Ft. Eustis, VA.  Leo also plays with the Kodak Concert Band, and finds time to play golf at least 4 times per week!  He played with Chuck Mangione early on, and played, arranged and recorded with Gap Mangione.  Leo is a graduate of St. John Fisher College, studied at the Eastman School of Music, and retired from Eastman Kodak in Rochester.  He writes original music and arranges for big bands in addition to creating charts for NOSTALGIC REUNION.  Leo is a "Snowbird", and is currently a member of the Boynton Beach, FL Concert Band, and gigs with various jazz groups on Florida's east coast during the winter months.  Golf, music and movies are his favorite hobbies, but not always in that order.

LARRY DIRIENZO - tenor and baritone saxes, clarinet

Larry is leader, Business Manager and one of the founding fathers of NOSTALGIC REUNION.  He served two years with the 326th U.S. Army Band at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. during the Korean Conflict.  Larry has played with many combos and big bands in the Midwest and in the Rochester area, fronted a big band some years back, and like Leo, is an alumnus of Joe Nolan's Orchestra.   He is also a member of the Kodak Concert Band.   Larry has a B.S.M.E. from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and is a retiree of Garlock, Inc., Palmyra, NY, where he was Manager, International Marketing & Development.  Larry greatly enjoys golf and downhill skiing with his five grandkids.

Tim is a native Rochesterian and began playing professionally with Joe Cady’s Orchestra for 6 years, 6 nights per week (1968-1974) at Rund’s Restaurant, Henrietta. He has performed with many dance bands and jazz groups over the years. Tim graduated Nazareth College with a Music Ed. Degree and retired from Muzet Music Co., after 20 years, Sales & Purchasing Mgr. Along with Nostalgic Reunion, Tim currently is with the Greater Finger Lakes Jazz Orchestra, Canandaigua. Tim and Marcia greatly enjoy their children and 3 grandkids. We are happy to have Tim on board with our jazz group.

PAUL FRICANO - baritone, alto and soprano saxes

Paul has been on the local music scene for 20 plus years in many diverse musical groups, including the classic rock band "R-Gang".  In addition to Nostalgic Reunion, Paul currently plays sax and sings with "Swingshift" and appears on occasion with "Orchestra La Fama Sin Gafas" a local Latin dance band which performed at the 2004 Rochester Int'l Jazz Festival.  Paul is a graduate of Cornell University and U of R's Simon School of Business.  His day gig is Human Resources Director for a local manufacturer.  Paul and his wife enjoy motorcycling and shuttling their two children to their numerous sporting and music events.

TIM SULLIVAN - bass
Tim has played in various ensembles, including those led by Steve Greene with vocalist Tina Albright and Art Hightower's band Orisha with vocalist Kimberly Westcott. For more than two years he led sessions at the Daily Perks coffee house (now "The Mez"), and for three years he played at Le Jazz Hot Café (now Bistro 135) with pianists Sarah Cantine and Jim Gala. He has performed in school concerts and workshops with Paul Smoker, and leads a Latin music ensemble with vocalist Hilda Chacon under the title Bossa Nova in Portuguese. Tim has composed music of various sorts, including jazz, four pieces for the Rochester Chamber Orchestra, and band music for young children composed through The Commission Project. Tim is Professor emeritus at Nazareth College.

TOM COMETA - keyboards

Tom is a native Rochesterian and started playing with local bands and combos at the age of 15. He performed with many small groups over the years, and was one of the original members of Vic Plati's New Portrait.   Tom is a graduate of St. John Fisher College and recently retired after 37 years with Xerox Corporation, where he was an Area Manager in Capital Projects.  He also plays with the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra.  Tom is an important contributor to the overall sound of NOSTALGIC REUNION.

CHUCK MOREY - drums

Chuck has been playing drums professionally since high school in a Rochester suburb. He served 4 years as principal percussionist with the 89th U.S. Army Band during the Korean War. Chuck came home and alternated college studies and travelling on the road with various musical groups. Tex Beneke, Les Elgart, Urbie Green and Clark Terry are just a few of the many. He returned home, got his BA in Music Ed, taught in NY State high schools for ten years and taught 30 years at Monroe Community College as Professor of Music. Chuck retired from teaching, concentrates on family, writing (he has several percussion books published) and freelance playing. We are very pleased to have Chuck join us for several gigs each year.

TONY FERRA - vocalist, professional MC and DJ

Tony has been pleasing audiences around Rochester for many years with his vocal styles. He sings the songs of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and numerous male singers of the 40s through today. Tony is an experienced MC and NOSTALGIC REUNION is delighted to have him with us.  Tony appeared with The Gateswingers for many years, and sings with the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra on occasion. He also does vocal work in a duo called Remembrance.   Tony operates Ferra's Furniture Service, Inc. as his "day gig".