Chicago Skyliners Big Band

The Chicago Skyliners Big Band is a Chicagoland swing ensemble formed by drummer Bill O'Connell in 1988 to keep big-band music alive. They play contemporary arrangements of Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, and Sammy Nestico alongside original charts. Blue Birdland Jazz releases include "That Toddlin' Town" in 1998 and "Contemporary Classics" in 2001. House band at FitzGerald's in Berwyn since 1991, they are known for high-powered ensemble playing and strong soloists.