Vince Bilardo began his drumming career at an early age in Cleveland, Ohio. At age 12 he was a member of his uncle's band known as The Bilardo Brothers Band and became the youngest musician in Cleveland to join the American Federation of Musicians. After graduation from high school, he traveled with several Midwest bands including the "Sugar Blues King," Clyde McCoy. After a stint in the US Army, Vince attended both Cleveland Instutute of Music and Western Reserve University. After graduation Vince, his wife Joan, and new born son came to Kansas City. He performed as Principal Percussionist for 23 years with the Kansas City Philharmonic Orchestra and also served as its Personal Manager for 16 years. During his years in Kansas City he became a charter member of the Annual Jazz Festival, Entertainment Director of the Playboy Club, Consultant to the Charlie Parker Memorial Foundation, a noted percussion and jazz drum instructor, a recipient of the Mayor's "Jazz Heritage Award" and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 34-627. He is a member of the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Kansas City, the Overland Park, KS Chamber of Commerce and the KC Jazz Ambassadors. He has performed with such notables as Count Basie, Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. He has accompanied and/or contracted for top entertainers like Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Shirley Jones, Red Buttons, Marvin Hamlisch, Nancy Wilson, Elvis Presley, Danny Kaye, Jack Benny and many others. After leaving the symphonic field, Vince started his own musical entertainment agency. He has produced the Corporate Woods Jazz Festival since its inception, the July 4th Star Spangled Spectacular in Overland Park, KS and the highly successful "Jazz Nite at Annies Fanta Fe." He continues to perform for prestigious social functions and is active in the local jazz club scene. Through the years Vince has acquired a reputation as a versatile musician, a good businessman, and a gentleman with a touch of class. Body text and graphics here. All Vince Bilardo bio info with pics.