ABOUT GENE DYKES

Gene Dykes has been a major force on the Columbia Music Jazz Scene for over 60 years. Born in Columbia, and growing up in the Wheeler Hill section, Mr. Dykes graduated from the historical Booker T. Washington High School and entered the Air Force. While serving in the Armed Forces, he served as a musician (saxophonist) and conductor in Air Force Bands worldwide, gaining expertise and performance perfection with the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Lena Horne, Billy Holiday, and other Jazz greats of the Big Band Era.

After retirement, Gene settled in California and formed The Gene Dykes Big Band Jazz Orchestra. Performing in and around the Los Angeles area, Gene and his orchestra gained popularity among the cocktail, dance, and big band afficionatos throuout California.

Gene decided to return to the Columbia area in the late 1960's, and brought his big band sound to the Palmetto State, forming the 18-piece, Gene Dykes Big Band Jazz Orchestra with musicians from throughout South Carolina, who have a love for swing and Big Band Jazz Music from the 1930's, 40's and 50's.

The Gene Dykes Big Band Jazz Orchestra has gained popularity throuout the years, performing for, The Columbia Art Museum, Main Street Jazz, The South Carolina Arts Commission, The S.C. Governor's Celebration on Blues and Jazz, The City Of Columbia Finlay Park, "Music in the Park" Series( 2004), The S.C. State House Dedication, South Carolina ETV's "Beat", with Beryl Dakers (2002), The City Of Columbia Housing Authority Celebration Day (2007), The S.C. Jubilee Festival (2007), The Big Apple Celebration (City of Columbia)

The critically acclaimed Gene Dykes Big Band Orchestra still performs throughout South Carolina and beyond, continuing to thrill audiences with the unmistakable "Big Band" sound that is music to the ears of music lovers who will always love and reminisce with the "big band" orchestra sound

HOW TO SCHEDULE THE BAND

PHONE: (803) 256-8295