Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8.
Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8…is a Jazzy Little Big Band…that has been together just over a year now. We love the American Songbook and specialize in jazzy original arrangements of our favorite Jazz and Big Band Tunes…..mixed in with some original jazz pieces by our arranger Harry Smallenburg who is also our Trombone player!
Angela’s background is in classical music, originally an orchestral oboe player then singing with a couple SF jazz groups where she was born in Calistoga…now Band Leader and singer for the Outrageous8.
A few years back, Angela had the good luck to volunteer to sing with a company called the “Pay it forward” band, which played exclusively at very needy convalescent homes and her father’s love for jazz and big band…was re-awakened.
The Band is comprised of Sam Morgan, tenor player and Musical Director, Michael Rosen on drums/records the band, Dan West on keys/arranger, Ron Cyger/alto, Rich Walker bari/flute, Hollywood Paul Litteral on Trumpet, Gary Lenk/Base. We are sooo grateful to be featured on LA Art Voyager!
Please tell us about your art.
We do very fun and complicated Jazzy Big Band music… this music is truly a musician’s treat…delightful Gershwin tunes…Harlan…Ella…Frank…it just sounds SOOO good to have real instruments…with expert players…Ear Dessert…truly.
We are inspired to do this music…because it is utterly challenging musically…..and we try and bring our heart and soul to performing this music, and the audiences tell me that we move them…and that they have a deeply emotional experience.
One of the things I LOVE about this experience…is that my peers bring their parents and grandparents and Uncles and Aunts…it becomes an occasion for the family to go out…and hear LIVE music…and spend some time.
My family is very musical…my father was a teacher…and he would come home every afternoon and put on Buddy Rich or Stan Kenton…while he corrected papers from the kids he taught….there was always jazz or Big Band on in our house…I hope to bring that same enjoyment of music…to everyone who attends.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
That is such a GREAt question….because that is really a crucial thing, isn’t it? WHY do you do what you do…
I did not start this band with any delusions of grandeur…and I don’t think anybody in the band sees this process as a “get rich and famous quick” scheme. 🙂
But, we really enjoy challenging ourselves musically? And getting better and better and better….and also…putting on an entertaining show…our shows are more like a variety show…and a musically difficult show that is super entertaining?
THAT is success 🙂
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8 home base out of Burbank 🙂 and we are happy to help support the VFW on Magnolia…by having shows there. We also have a residency at world famous Gardenia Supper Club…at Santa Monica and La Brea in Hollywood… We would love people to attend our live shows…and also to follow us on social media on Facebook we’re at: Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8, on Insta:@angelaoneillmusic.
We are so grateful for the people who come out to the shows…and love it when people attend our shows and get something from the music!
Our next show is Fri. Feb 15th at the VFW. 1006 W Magnolia in Burbank…
7:30 doors open… 8 pm downbeat. $20 cover and 8 dollar martinis!
Tickets for THAT show are now on sale on the website angelamaeoneill.com
Contact Info:
- Address: 1006 W MAGNOLIA BLVD BURBANK CA 91506
- Website: www.angelamaeoneill.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @angelaoneillmusic
- Facebook: Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8
- Twitter: @outrageous8
Image Credit:
Photo by Kathryn Hopkins at our most recent gig at The Gardenia on January 18th 2019!
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
