MISSION STATEMENT

The Forever Young Big Band is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that preserves, promotes, and performs the American musical art form of Big Band Jazz and Swing music for all ages.

WHO WE ARE

Formed in 2017, the Forever Young Big Band is a 17-piece ensemble comprised of professional musicians and vocalists with a wide range of musical backgrounds and performance experience. The band brings the swing and jazz eras to life while celebrating the most beloved songs of all time, from classic standards to select favorites from the contemporary era. Known for their high-energy performances and rich, full sound, the Forever Young Big Band delivers unforgettable music for audiences of all ages.

JIM FREDA

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Jim Freda has consistently been teaching instrumental music and conducting bands & orchestras for over 50 years. His diversified musical experience includes classical & jazz saxophones, symphonic & wind orchestras, big-band swing & jazz bands, and coupled with a variety of contemporary rock bands. Originally from the western suburbs of Chicago, Jim holds degrees from the University of Illinois, Grand Canyon University and is a past member of the American Bandmasters Association.

Since early 2018 Jim has served as the Musical Director and Conductor of the Forever Young Big Band. He consistently strives to maintain high musical standards for the group and dedicated to the musicianship of the band’s members. The Forever Young Big Band demonstrates rich, enjoyable, and memorable musical experiences that are fulfilling and entertaining for people of all ages.

Additionally, Jim is currently a regular member of both the Pebble Creek Big Band & Jazz Combo. He performed during his college years with the famed University of Illinois Jazz Bands. Through the years, Jim was a 21-year member of the Glendale Community Concert Band, 8 years in the Fiesta Bowl Parade’s “Play It Again Band”, participated in the Radio City Half-time Show during Super Bowl XXX, and for 18 years performed over 60 performances of the Star-Spangled Banner at Arizona major league and spring training baseball games. Additionally, Jim has performed with the Phoenix Praise Symphony since 2016, is the Concert Orchestra Director at his local church in Phoenix since 2022, was the leader and founder for 15 years of the locally known jazz & rock cover band “One More Time” and has arranged special music for a live saxophone performance on KFLR 90.3 FM Radio in Phoenix.

RAINER REY

MALE VOCALIST

Since the formation of the Forever Young Big Band in 2017, Rainer Rey has served as its male lead vocalist, bringing decades of performance experience, musical artistry, and classic showmanship to every performance. Rainer’s career in marketing took an unexpected turn when a song he wrote for a vocal group became a number-one hit in the Pacific Northwest. That breakthrough launched a dynamic career in music, where he continued writing and performing as a solo artist, releasing multiple national recordings with ABC Paramount and MetroMedia Records in New York. Several of his releases were recognized as hits by Record World and Variety.

Rainer later led The Summer Winds, an ensemble praised by Billboard Magazine as “one of the top ten lounge acts” in Las Vegas. The group headlined premier venues including Caesar’s Palace, The Sahara Hotel, and The Aladdin Hotel, and shared the stage with legendary performers such as Duke Ellington, Don Rickles, and Frank Sinatra Jr. Their success included national television appearances and international concert tours.

LORI BANGO

FEMALE VOCALIST

Lori Bango has been a featured female lead vocalist with the Forever Young Big Band for the past two years, bringing warmth, versatility, and expressive artistry to the band’s signature sound. Her lifelong passion for music began at a young age through musical theater and choir and continued with instrumental training on clarinet throughout middle and high school. Over the years, she has performed with live bands across multiple genres, developing a confident and engaging stage presence.

For more than a decade, Lori served as a worship leader and music director for several churches, a role that helped shape her musical leadership and vocal artistry. She continues to sing in church today and, earlier in her career, taught voice lessons to children for many years, led children’s music programs, and mentored young performers. This work reflects both a deep love of music and a lasting commitment to inspiring others through it.

For the past ten years, Lori has performed patriotic music at numerous civic and political events, including the National Anthem and other traditional patriotic selections. She has also led music at national Christian conferences alongside her son and has performed before audiences of thousands. Music has always been central to her life, and her family has shared the joy of making music together for more than fifteen years.