About

Mission

The mission of the Riverside Renaissance Swing Band is to support charitable and civic causes through the live performance of swing jazz music, and to promote the appreciation of the heritage of Jazz Americana to the public, while also maintaining a library of big band jazz music arrangements for educational purposes.

The Riverside Renaissance Swing Band provides concerts for private individuals or organizations who make a charitable contribution to a designated organization qualified as an exempt organization under IRS section 501 (c) (3).

Band members

NameMusical roleOther roleHome
Kim AraizaKim AraizaVocals, keyboards
Jack AustinJack AustinTrombone, section leaderLibrarian, soundBradford, MA
Brittany BettsBrittany BettsTrumpet, vocalsRockport, MA
Ed BiggsEd BiggsAlto saxophone, clarinetReading, MA
Georgia BillsGeorgia BillsBass tromboneSecretaryBeverly, MA
Jack ButlerJack ButlerDrumsPeabody, MA
David FernieDavid FernieTrumpetMedford, MA
Bob FlemingBob FlemingTrombone, arrangerLynnfield, MA
Larry GelbergLarry GelbergBaritone saxophone
Liz HorwitzLiz HorwitzBass
Henry LucasHenry LucasTenor saxophonePresident, fearless leaderPeabody, MA
Carol LucyniakCarol LucyniakAlto saxophone
Rob LuttsRob LuttsTrumpetTreasurer
Geof LyonGeof LyonTromboneWebmaster, soundRockport, MA
Harry McCoyHarry McCoyAlto saxophone, section leaderSalem, MA
Tim McLaughlinTim McLaughlinTenor saxophone
Arnie RosenArnie RosenGuitarGloucester, MA
Bill SokolowBill SokolowKeyboards, vocalsMarblehead, MA
Gary TepoltGary TepoltTenor saxophonePelham, NH
Art ZavarellaTrumpet, section leaderNorth Reading, MA

Leaders and benefactors

It feels only right to pause and honor the special souls who walked before us and dreamt this band into being. In those first tender days, when we were finding our sound and spirit, their steady guidance and quiet encouragement lit the way. Through each chapter—growth, change, and now this rebirth—they have been our compass and our shelter. For all their care, wisdom, and unwavering support, our gratitude runs deep and true.

Jules Yashon

Riverside Band founder and leader

Jules YashonFrom Jules’ obituary in the Chicago Tribune on February 4, 2012:

Julius Yashon, 75, of Arlington, MA, son of the late Leo and Bella Yashon; brother of Joe (Elaine) and the late Rena (Mark) Lozins; husband of Ronnee, father of Karen (Ross) and Ben (Carey); grandfather of Marlon and Maya; uncle of Barbara, Linda, Robert, Richard and Michelle. Julius, a native Chicagoan, was an accomplished teacher and musician. He will fondly be remembered for his kindness and humor.

Henry Lucas

Riverside band founder and leader

Henry Lucas

Murray Burnstine

Riverside Renaissance Swing Band benefactor and past veteran member

Murray BurnstineMurray Burnstine was a successful engineer, an avid musician, and a generous philanthropist. His Murray Burnstine Charitable Trust helps aspiring musicians to reach their full potential. His bequest to the Riverside Renaissance Swing Band enables us to fulfill our charitable mission.

From Murray’s obituary on the Gately Funeral Home website in 2023.

​Murray Burnstine, of Melrose, died peacefully on June 7, 2023. Born May 14, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, he was the son of Zangwill and Bessie Burnstine.

He graduated Central High in Detroit and attended Wayne University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1953. Follow graduation Murray joined the General Motors Test Division. That same year he joined the United States Air Force. During his time at General Motors he again attended Wayne University and received a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialty in Bio-Mechanics.

n 1960 he joined Harvard University for what would become known as the Harvard Study asking the question: “Why are people dying in automobile accidents?” Along with his colleagues, he made significant contributions to automobile safety. Following Harvard he was on the staff of MIT. The balance of his career was dedicated to engineering consulting. He was especially proud of his some 18 years of service with the United States Air Force Reserve. He was also an accomplished musician playing with a number of orchestras and bands in the Metro-Boston area.