GRBB Musicians
Band Members
-
Leader and Saxophone
Scott Jensen, Trumpet Soloist
- Saxophones
- Jeff Erickson
- Chip Schreader
- Harry Hindson
- Jeff Reitz
- Jim Piela
- Trumpets
- Bill "Bucky" Buckholtz
- Scott Jensen
- Tom Brown
- Bix Swerman
- Jeff Krauklis
- Trombones
- George Vonarx
- Marty Busch
- Mark Lakmann
- Ross Lewton
- Christy Swartz
- Rhythm
- Chris Frye
- Karyn Quinn
- Tim Henke
- Rich MacDonald
Greg Balfany directs and performs with the Great River Big Band, Western Wisconsin’s Jazz Repertory Orchestra. The band has recorded three CD recordings and has been featured on Chuck Cecil’s nationally syndicated radio program “The Swing Years.” The band has also been featured on Minnesota and Wisconsin Public Radio.
Greg is also Professor of Clarinet and Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He is active as a performer and music educator, giving workshops, clinics, and guest performances throughout the Tri-state area. Dr. Balfany's University responsibilities include clarinet and saxophone instruction and directing UW-L's nationally recognized Jazz Ensemble I.
His quartet, The La Crosse Jazz quartet, has been a mainstay of the regional jazz scene for the past two decades appearing regularly at local festivals and clubs. The La Crosse Jazz Quartet has released a Cd recording titled “Gettin’ to It.”
Greg performs extensively as a clarinet and saxophone soloist in both classical and jazz contexts. He has served as both principal saxophonist and clarinetist with the La Crosse Symphony, and has soloed on both clarinet and saxophone with the La Crosse Concert band. He has performed with Randy Brecker, Bob Minzer, Red Holloway, Al Grey, Bob Hope, Frank Wess, Red Skelton, Marv Stamm, Kurt Elling, Clark Terry, Ed Shaughnessy, and may others.