Welcome to the web page for the Rhythm Gang, a 40's style swing band located in Tucson, Arizona. The Rhythm Gang is an ensemble of the Tucson Concert Band and, as such, operates within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a non-profit band. The Rhythm Gang is a musical organization supporting the performance of primarily American Music of the first half of the 20th Century. The main focus is band music reminiscent of the big bands or swing bands of the 1930's and 1940's. The main objective is to keep this music alive and make it easily available to general Southern Arizona audiences,
The Rhythm Gang provides the opportunity for experienced musicians and vocalists to participate in a well-organized music ensemble, supported by an extensive music library.
Members of this musical group are volunteers and most performances will be free to our audience, or with only a nominal charge for admission. We expect a donation from the sponsoring organization. The range of venues will be from playing at public and private dances, performing at retirement homes, putting on public concerts, to playing for civic and charitable events.
We are a great sounding band that will liven up your special event, so please give us your consideration. Come see us at one of our performances or listen to the several sound clips of recent performances avilable on this web site.
John Arrison, Director of the Rhythm Gang
John was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey and attended Bernardsville High
School where he played trumpet in the high school marching and concert
bands and had his own dance band, the Meloaires. John received a
music grant to Texas A&M where he played 1st trumpet in the Fightin’
Texas Aggie Band. He finished his undergraduate degree at Bradley
University where he played trumpet in the concert band and tenor
saxophone in a Rock N’ Roll band, the Roadrunners. Graduating in 1965,
John spent the next 30 years as an Air Force officer but still maintained music as a hobby. During this time, John received an MBA from the University of Utah. From 1995 through 2002, John worked in the financial services industry. After retiring full-time in 2002, John moved to Tucson where he joined the Tucson Concert Band and subsequently, the Rhythm Gang playing saxophone. He became director of the Rhythm Gang in 2006 when Buzz Hemwall, the previous director, moved from the Tucson area.
