O'Gara's was the first place that Beasley's Big Band played in public and we've never left since. The only thing that can keep us away is if O'Gara's were torn down. Sadly, that's exactly what's going to happen. O'Gara's will be back, rebuilt a bit smaller, but we'll play our last gig there on Tuesday, August 7th. It's going to be a hard show, to be sure. Please come out and close out an era with us.
Since 1991, Beasley's Big Band has been playing big band jazz with power and drive.
For more than 20 years, we've been playing at the Wabasha Street Caves and O'Gara's Bar & Grill. At the historic Wabasha Street Caves, you can swing dance to Beasley's Big Band on the third Thursday of just about every month. If you'd like to listen to Beasley's Big Band in an intimate club setting, stop by O'Gara's. We also play for corporate parties, swing dances, charity balls, wedding dances, and summer concerts in city parks. Think about hiring the band for your next event!
BBB - As heard on KBEM 
Our very own 4th trombone Jim sat with KBEM's Phil Nusbaum and talked about BBB's an upcoming show at the Wabasha Street Caves. It's a great overview of our band, our sound, and our approach. Nicely done, Phil and Jim!
Check out our new "Music" page!
It has music! For sale! To you!
We're proud of our latest CD and hope that you enjoy listening and dancing to it. At the very least they're toe-tappers!
CD Release Party!!! "Swingin' with the B"
We're going to throw a dance with Terry and Cindy Gardner down along the river in Minneapolis to celebrate the release of our brand-new CD, Swingin' with the "B." And we would love you to join us! We'll be down on the east bank of the Mississippi River at 301 Main St. NE. We play, you dance!
BBB Phraseology
All bands share typical lingo like "gig," "book," and "set list." But BBB has a few phrases and traditions of our own.
“Traveling”
Chuck Beasley would always shout out “Traveling!” before he counted off a chart, giving the band a heads-up that we were about to start. “Traveling! One, two…” This tradition continues at the start of every song today.
One Dollar
If a band member blows a particularly impressive solo that totally impresses you, we tip them $1. A truly fantastic job could net the soloist upwards of 3 or 4 dollars!
“White Whale”
Not so much a long tradition as one I’m trying to get started. Our band’s gear is hauled in a giant, white Chevy Suburban. Not only does the Moby Dick allusion fit, the great American novel offers a multitude of metaphors and similitudes that I can use.