Magic City Jazz Band

ED CUNEO - BANJO AND LEADER

Ed's love for the banjo was gleaned at his Uncle's knee listening to Spike Jones' Bluebird recordings. He began playing the banjo when he was sixteen with the Philadelphia String Bands. In the sixties he began getting his initial professional experiences in 'Banjo Beer Parlors' like Your Father's Mustache, The Red Garter, and Ruby Red's in Atlanta, where he opened in 1966. He has performed with the Atlanta Symphony, in Canada at Expo 67, and the 2002 Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy. Ed has appeared at the major venues in Orlando, Fl, such as, Universal Studios, Rosy O'Grady's, and Walt Disney World and has performed with many other outstanding musicians including Lew Green, Bill Allred, Ernie Carson, and Jim Buchmann.He is often seen as a sideman with other Dixieland ensembles at various jazz events. An accomplished soloist, Ed prefers leading his own jazz groups, Banjo Express, and The Magic City Jazz Band. (Read Ed's complete professional biography.)

JIM SNYDER - CLARINET

A much sought after clarinetist, Jim was a member of Woody Riley's house band and co-leader of the Delta Steamer's for 6 years. This erstwhile 'road warrior' has played in almost every state of the union. His professional experience includes stints with Connie Jones, The Dukes of Dixieland and Al Hirt to name a few. He has the strongest 'chops' I have ever heard on the Clarinet, probably due to his many years of street performing with The Main Street Rhythm Rascals at The magic Kingdom on Orlando.

GEORGE PALMER - TROMBONE

Some call him the inveterate veteran. George is ex-Navy, having retired from the U.S. Navy band in Washington, D.C. later performing with Rick Fay's Hot Five. He has been a member of Bands at Circus World, Rosy O'Grady's, and Walt Disney World. Though his playing style is understated, he is musically precise and possesses a deep repertoire.

HANK GREVE - TUBA

Ed's favorite tubist, Hank graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and received his masters in music from Boston University. Hank worked in New Orleans where he performed with Banu Gibson, Pete Fountain, and The Dukes of Dixieland. He later moved to Venezuela where he was employed with the Maracaibo Symphony. Hank has worked at Walt Disney World for nearly two decades in a variety of venues including 6 years with The Main Street Rhythm Rascals. He is an excellent bassist. .

JOHN DEPAOLA - TRUMPET AND CORNET

John has not enjoyed the exposure of some of the other trumpet and cornet players some of us know, but that has nothing to do with his great playing ability. John has played in a variety of venues, and has appeared in many festivals. He has worked extensively with Bill Allred and was a full time musician at Rosy O' Grady's. His credits as a freelance musician include Ray Charles, Kenny Rogers, Sammy Davis, Jr, and most recently Howie "D" of the backstreet Boys. John is able to seamlessly shift styles as the musical situation changes, something many others cannot do.

WARREN COHEN - DRUMS

Warren Cohen is from the Bronx,New York. He played drums at Rosie O Grady's for 20 years. He played Drums at The Top of the World Supper Club at Disney World and with the Bob Cross Band for 9 years. Played Drums with Herb Ellis at the Village lounge at Disney World. Warren has also performed though out the U.S.A and Europe. This guy is terrific.

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