JOIN US AT OUR NEXT EVENT - JAZZ IN THE PARK - LAKE TAHOE
Experience the Joy of Jazz
A celebration of heartfelt music and timeless rhythms for your events
Meet the Musicians
BOB LARSON
BENJAMIN BENAVIDES
RICHARD CONWAY
PIANO & FOUNDER – I started piano lessons at age 4, studying classical music through high school, and began playing big band jazz in 7th grade. In high school in Denver, I played big band and also did some conducting. At Princeton, I served as pianist and director of their dance big band in the first years of their jazz program, adding to my joy in leading ensembles. From the 4th grade I also played French Horn in concert and marching bands, orchestras, and even jazz band in college. Since 1980, I’ve played piano with several Bay Area big bands and currently serve as the pianist and Music Director of the Overboard Big Band. For over 20 years, I have directed, composed and arranged charts, and played piano in the West Shore Jazz Quintet. I feel so fortunate to have the joy of making music with so many talented musicians!
RICHARD CONWAY
BENJAMIN BENAVIDES
RICHARD CONWAY
TRUMPET -
I spent my formative years as a jazz musician playing in big bands and combos at UC Berkeley, Chabot College, and CSU Hayward. I was fortunate to play in groups led by a diverse group of well-known jazz educators, including Dave Eshelman, Dann Zinn, Ted Moore, Steve Campos, Frank Martin, and Jon Palacio. Some of the highlights from that time include a European tour with the CSU Hayward Jazz Ensemble and a Japanese tour with the Chabot College Jazz Ensemble.
Since then, I’ve performed with numerous jazz big bands and small groups throughout the Bay Area, including West Shore Jazz, Full Spectrum Jazz, @Jazz, A Touch of Brass, Octobop, and Guido Fazio’s Jazz Talk Quintet. Over the course of my musical career, I’ve also had the opportunity to perform alongside some truly outstanding musicians, such as Gordon Goodwin, Brian Lynch, Conrad Herwig, Eric Marienthal, Geoffrey Keezer, Bobby Shew, Peter Erskine, Andy Martin, Wayne Bergeron, Chuck Findley, Bob Sheppard, and Grant Geissman.
BENJAMIN BENAVIDES
BENJAMIN BENAVIDES
BENJAMIN BENAVIDES
SAXOPHONE - I have had the privilege of being a music teacher and instructor in the Bay Area since 2000, sharing my passion for music with students of all ages. In addition to playing multiple instruments, I work as a woodwind technician, repairing and maintaining instruments to ensure they sound their best.
I am proud to serve as the saxophone section leader for the CoolTones Big Band and the musical director for the Oasis Big Band. Being part of the Overboard Big Band is a true joy—it's an amazing group of talented people, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to talk, play, and create music with them.
MYLENE DUPAYA
MYLENE DUPAYA
BENJAMIN BENAVIDES
THE BASS - With over 30 years of experience playing bass in big band jazz groups and combos across the Bay Area, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my passion for jazz with countless audiences and privileged to have played with musicians like Bobby Shew, Greg Abate, and Ledisi. Currently, I perform with the Overboard Big Band, 3 O’Clock Jump Band, and the Westshore Jazz Quintet. Playing bass is my true love, and I’m thrilled to bring this incredible music to life for our listeners!
NATHAN MOY
MYLENE DUPAYA
NATHAN MOY
DRUMS - I fell in love with music as a kid, inspired by watching the drummer at church. That passion stuck with me for the next 45 years, leading me to play in marching bands, jazz bands, concert bands, orchestras, and musical theater pits all the way through college.
These days, I stay busy playing in a country band, a swing dance band, a jazz combo, and, of course, the Overboard Big Band. For me, music is more than just playing—it’s about the friendships and connections that come from making music together.
Listen to West Shore Jazz
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a handpicked selection of jazz favorites performed by the West Shore Jazz Quintet. This playlist takes you on a journey through lively swing, soulful ballads, bossa nova grooves, and timeless standards—all brought to life with the band’s signature energy and passion. Whether you’re a longtime jazz lover or just discovering the magic of the genre, these songs will have you tapping your feet, swaying to the rhythm, and feeling the heart of live jazz.
Set One
Cold Duck Time – A funky, high-energy groove to kick things off with excitement.
A Night in Tunisia – A bold and exotic jazz classic with fiery rhythms.
Take the A Train – A swingin’ ride through one of Duke Ellington’s most iconic tunes.
Cute – A playful, lighthearted big band-style swing number.
Flintstones Theme – A fun, jazzy take on a nostalgic favorite.6.
Star Wars Cantina – Instantly recognizable and full of quirky, upbeat charm.
Dot.com Blues – A bluesy, modern groove with a laid-back yet soulful feel.
Mahna Mahna – A whimsical, infectious tune that keeps things fun.
The Girl from Ipanema – A smooth and sultry bossa nova classic.10.
Wave – A breezy and elegant tune that captures the essence of Brazilian jazz.
Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars) – A soft, intimate bossa nova ballad
All the Things You Are – A beautifully complex jazz standard full of lush harmonies.
SET TWO
Beautiful Love – A romantic, waltzing melody that’s both rich and expressive.
Body & Soul – One of jazz’s most heartfelt and tender ballads.
Georgia on My Mind – A soulful, blues-infused tribute to the South.
Round Midnight – A moody and introspective masterpiece by Thelonious Monk.
Moanin’ – A deep, bluesy hard bop classic with an irresistible groove.
Alfie’s Theme – A swinging and stylish tune with cinematic charm.
Cheek to Cheek – A joyful, danceable classic that feels like pure romance.
Autumn Leaves – A timeless and melancholic tune that captures the season’s beauty.
Where Can I Go Without You – A wistful and deeply expressive ballad.
What a Wonderful World – A heartfelt, optimistic closer to leave you smiling.
Take Four – A unique, rhythmically intriguing twist on a jazz classic to wrap things up.
Contact Us
Bookings
Do you have questions, want to book a show? Contact us.
Ask us about the Overboard Big Band for a larger venue or event.
West Shore Jazz
