Gerry grew up in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. His home town, Pottstown, lies between Philadelphia and Reading. His first teacher, a friend of the family, started teaching Gerry trumpet at age 8. It was not too long after he started playing when Gerry realized he had found something very powerful and something he loved to do.

As fate would have it, one of the best known and loved musical venues in all the eastern United States was only one mile from Gerry's home. Sunnybrook Ballroom was built in 1931. Every big band that ever was organized has played the famous Sunnybrook stage at least once. Rudy Valley, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee and countless others have sung in this magnificent ballroom. 

Musicians left gum, messages and signatures on the back stage walls.  Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, Guy Lombardo, Woody Herman and many many other bands have graced the stage of this grand old ballroom.

Look at the photo. The magnificence of this ballroom cannot be captured. And Gerry was lucky enough to live this close. The hey day of swing is now over and the big bands are nearly all gone. Most all of the leaders have died. Ghost bands have replaced them.

Gerry was fortunate to be able to see the tail end of the swing era. He saw up close Louis Armstrong, Stan Kenton, Harry James, Woody Herman, Count Basie and his idol, Maynard Ferguson. Standing at the foot of the stage, Gerry was able to reach out and touch them. He wasn't impressed, he was mesmerized.

Sunnybrook still stands today although it's future is uncertain. So far, it has been saved from the wrecking ball. People and corporations are attempting to make it work. We certainly hope it survives and plays host to another generation of bands, musicians and fans.

Sunnybrook Ballroom has been host to some of the greatest bands in the world for the past 60 plus years. Designed before microphones and PA systems the hall is an acoustic marvel. You can REALLY hear a pin drop on the stage from any spot on it's gigantic wooden dance floor. Louis Armstrong to Maynard Ferguson and every band you can think of has played this magnificent ballroom.

Interesting Fact
Most of us know Buddy Rich played for Harry James. What you may not know is Buddy drove from New York City one Saturday night to Sunnybrook. He auditioned for Harry James on the stage you see in the photo. Harry hired him on the spot. Buddy started with the band a little while after as there were other obligations which needed to be met. However, this is the stage where the audition took place and the feud between Buddy and Frank Sinatra began.