About Us
The Woody Hite Big Band has roots in the Portland area that go back to the 1930’s, when the Big Band sound began to emerge. The group had great success, but disbanded when band members entered the service in WWII, and was reformed in 1971.
Ever since, they have been thrilling Northwest audiences, winning several “Best Big Band” awards from the Jazz Society of Oregon, and covering a wide variety of venues from prestigious engagements such as the gala McCaw Opera House reopening in Seattle, to grass roots civic concerts like Sherwood’s “Music on the Green”.
Under new leadership of long time band members Mark Gaulke and Ham Howard, the band features a new generation of Portland’s finest professional jazz soloists, backed up by a tight, swinging ensemble.
Covering a wide range of styles from classic Big Band era tunes to modern Jazz Orchestra features, the Woody Hite Big Band always delivers an exciting and entertaining musical experience!