Why Choose Gerry

Jazz, Swing, R&B, Blues, Pop

Gerry has worked with several smaller bands throughout his career including a

  • A "5-piece" (Cordovox/Organ, drums; Guitar; Trumpet; Sax) top 40 "cover band" known as Phase II in the 70's;
  • a versatile Jazz/Pop Trio (Organ, Sax & Drums) known as Echo Bay in the late 70's and early 80's;
  • to a Blues/Jazz/R&B Quartet (Organ, Drums; and 2 Saxes) known as Straight Up in the Mid 80's.

Throughout all of these smaller group transitions, East Bay Jazz has remained a constant for over 30 years now.

The East Bay Jazz Ensemble (EBJE) began as part of the East Bay Association For the Arts founded in Bristol, Rhode Island in the summer of 1976 by Steve Grimo. As Steve's younger brother, current director and leader, Gerry Grimo, was the original Cordovox (electronic accordion)/bass player for the band.

Early performances included "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" on Martha's Vineyard (Carly Simon's Place); The Gardner Museum in Boston; The Stone House Club in Little Compton, RI; University of RI; RI College; Providence College; The RI State House; RI Department of Parks and Recreation; Sheraton Islander, Newport, RI.; Roger Williams University, and the Biltmore Hotel in Providence, RI.

In 1986 Steve accepted a position as a band officer in the US Air Force and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel/Commander of the Air Academy Band at Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs. Gerry took over as director of the EBJE, continuing performances in RI and Massachusetts until permanently relocating to Vermont in 1988. In 1990, Gerry completely re-staffed the EBJE focusing on local Vermont and NH musicians while performing primarily in the Twin State area with some performances in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

EBJE, while featuring a classic 10 - 13 piece Big Band set up can also be broken down to combos of 4-6 players to provide a little more affordability, and versatility (playing not only swing and blues, but rock & contemporary R&B) particularly where space and finances are a concern for your special event.

Greater New England Performances have included the Vermont Symphony Annual Gala, in Burlington, Vt.; The Marine Corps Birthday Anniversary Gala, White River Junction, Vt.; The Mount Washington Hotel; The Hotel Coolidge; The Cedarcrest Foundation Annual Gala in Keene, NH; The Tuck School at Dartmouth College; The DartmouthCollege Alumni Association; The Clubhouse at Eastman; The Stowe Flake Inn; Mt Snow Resort; The Putney Inn; The Hanover Inn; Windsor Rotary 75th Anniversary Gala; The Moving Company in Keene; The New London Country Club; Sunapee Yacht Club; Newport Opera House; The Boston Yacht Club, Marblehead, Ma.; The Eastern States Expo in Springfield, Ma; Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce Dinner Dance and "Make A Wish" Christmas Concert; Middlebury College; Colby Sawyer College; Magdalen College; Annual Street Fest in Canton, Ma.; and for Covered Bridge Players' performance of Cy Coleman's musical "City of Angels

Classical Ceremony Experience:
While performing Jazz, Swing and Blues are a mainstay for Gerry and East Bay Jazz, Gerry is also a classically trained accordionist, organist, pianist and vocalist. His performing history in this area includes:

  • 10 years of private accordion instruction preparing for and performing as a soloist in local, regional and national competitions;
  • as a member of The Arruda Accordion Orchestra in Rhode Island performing symphonic works competitively at the local, regional and national levels;
  • 2 years as Organist and Cantor for St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Barre, Ma
  • 2 years as Organist/Pianist/Cantor for Holy Redeemer Parish in W. Lebanon, NH
  • 15 years + as Organist/Pianist/Cantor for St. Francis of Asissi Parish in Windsor, Vt. including wedding ceremonies, and funerals as both organist/pianist and vocalist.
  • Several Seasons performing (Baritone) with the Worcestor Chorus, in Worcestor Ma under the direction of Gerry Mack; the Handel Society and Concertato Singers under the direction of Melinda O'Neal; the East Bay Chorus under the direction of Charles Mello; the Thetford Chamber Singers under the direction of Valerie Miller. Classical Ceremony Selections include: Schubert's Ave Marie Bach's Ave Maria Jesus Joy of Man's Desiring Pachalbel Canon in D Bridal March Bridal Chorus by Mendelson Sleepers Awake - Bach Trumpet Voluntary Prince of Denmark March There is Love. And many, many more…

Solo Organ/Piano/Vocal or a duo (with perhaps trumpet or flute) or a more formal brass quartet or quintet) can be arranged to fit your desires.
Gerry has also performed at several Jewish Wedding Ceremonies in trio and quartet formats.

Ethnic Specialty Events:
As an accordionist in his youth, Gerry has pretty extensive repertoire of polish polkas; Irish Folk songs, German Waltzes; and Italian & Portuguese & Latin folk & love songs to satisfy just about any special occasion.

Past solo performances include The Hopkins' Center's Wine Tasting Fund Raiser; Vermont Academy's Italian Night; Octoberfest Party in Claremont; to Holy Family School Fish Fry dinner music.

Theatre and Show Music (as your "PIT" Orchestra):
Gerry will coordinate the instrumental music for your next musical. He has worked as the instrumental music coordinator and rehearsal and show pianist for several shows in the Upper Valley including Covered Bridge Players (City of Angels; 1776; JC Superstar; Working); the Newport Opera House Association (Man of La Mancha; Annie Get Your Gun; State Fair); and Upper Valley Rotary Clubs.