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The Ovations Big Band is a premier commercial dance band which recently made its debut in the southeast. The band is led by veteran trumpeter Don Edwards, whose impressive and varied background includes serving as lead trumpet with the bands of Hal McIntyre, Billy May, Woody Hermann, Stan Kenton, Ray Anthony and Les Elgart. Following the Big Band era Don spent fifteen years in Vegas performing in stage shows for Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughn, Jack Jones and numerous other artists. While at the Sands Hotel, he played lead trumpet with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra for the Nat King Cole Show which aired from there on NBC TV. He continued at the Sands during the reign of the Rat Pack, and made the original version of the movie “Oceans Eleven.” Upon leaving Vegas, Don moved to Memphis to work in the studios. During that time he traveled with various Motown groups and made the “Shaft” album and sound track with Isaac Hayes. Edwards incorporates the band's personnel in a big band review show called THE SWINGIN' YEARS which he leads and narrates nationally. Realizing the need for a greater variety of music to accommodate today's diverse tastes, he includes some Oldies, Rock, etc. in his repertoire. Known as "the band that keeps dancers on the floor and listeners begging for more," Ovations is designed to meet the needs of special events such as wedding receptions, corporate parties and country clubs. With its hand picked musicians, extensive song list and exceptional ability to read and cater to the crowd, the Ovations Big Band always welcomes requests from the audience, and is equally at home performing for concerts and dances, as well as providing a background of smart listening music at receptions.