Atlanta Swing Orchestra - A site for Big Band, Jazz Band and Swing Band Music.

Walter Ventura

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Born and raised on Kauai, my Father taught me to play bass at 8 years old on a 1954 Kay electric bass, still got it. Learned Cachi Cachi and performed with family…uncles and cousins. At 16 I was in the Musician’s Union and was playing for tourists with the Southern Sea’s Swing Band, Rick Hanape, and the Larry McIntosh Jazz Band. 

Took 24 years off of music as an Army Deep Sea Diver. Retired I started playing again at my church, Community Christian and was invited to play with the Callonwald Concert Band. That led to many gigs and invitations, blues festivals, theater musicals, and jam sessions. Still playing at church and Callonwald, also with the Chatahochie River Cats New Orleans Jazz, and The GNUS Jazz Band. 

Playing with the Atlanta Swing Orchestra brings back such wonderful memories of my childhood, it’s truly a privilege and joy to perform with such a high caliber group.