The Lakeshore Swing Band has a long history in the Cleveland area, dating back over 30 years. We had our beginnings as the Bob Makee Band, formed in early 1991 by two prominent area musicians: Bob Makee and Joe Mayer.
It was a full 17-piece Big Band, complimented by 2 vocalists, playing in the traditional “Big Band” style of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James and Count Basie, while also playing Latin, rock, Motown, polka and waltz selections to show their versatility.
Not too long after the band was formed, Bob Makee passed away. Joe carried on as the band’s leader, and soon after renamed the band as the Joe Mayer Orchestra, or JMO.
Under Joe’s direction, the Joe Mayer Orchestra expanded its musical collection and repertoire, while maintaining their Swing Era style.
JMO remained a vital part of the area music scene for the next 30 years, playing engagements such as the Euclid Community Festival, Beachwood Summer Evening Concert, Baldwin-Wallace University Alumni Day, Mayfield Village Summer Concert, Euclid Community Valentine Dance, East 200th Street Stroll, Kiwanis Clubs, the Euclid Mayor’s Ball, Senior Citizens’ Prom and Winterfest, Concerts in the Park, Lakeland College Pops Concert/Dance, Community Festivals ,weddings, parties and many other private events.
Joe lived a rich and rewarding life, bringing joy through music to many. After his passing in early 2018, his grandson Geno Salvatore stepped forward as band manager to bring new energy to JMO and keep his grandfather’s legacy alive. JMO has carried on, and while the Covid pandemic has prevented the band from playing in public these past 2 years, they have remained intact, rehearsing at the East Shore United Methodist Church in Euclid twice every month.
Now the band is starting its next chapter. With Geno stepping down, we have renamed the band to reflect its home on Lakeshore Boulevard and to emphasize its heritage as a Swing Era band. Our musical focus, our extensive library of familiar and entertaining musical selections, will allow us to preserve the character and history of JMO, while expanding to reflect our talent and taste, and the interests of our audience.
With a newly formed management team made up of key band members, the Joe Mayer Orchestra proudly lives on as the Lakeshore Swing Band. We hope you’ll join us on our journey.
Cheers!