History
Starting as a Garage Band
The Unforgettable Big Band was founded in the summer of 2000 by Steve Spangler, a saxophonist and resident of Lake Meade in East Berlin, Pennsylvania. Steve loved big band music, and was able to find a few friends nearby who shared his interest. Steve consulted Jim Spark, newly appointed Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church in York, and together they formed what would soon become the Unforgettable Big Band, with Spark as musical director and Spangler as band manager and owner. Steve was able to draw on his friendships with area musicians and with contacts within the church to assemble an early core of musicians who gathered once every two weeks in Steve's garage to play big band classics.
The Unforgettable Big Band was originally formed for the simple joy of playing music, but its reputation quickly grew throughout the community. Within a couple of years, the Lake Meade Homeowners Association invited the band to perform at their annual charity fundraiser dance. This event marked the band’s first public appearance, and its overwhelming success turned the performance into an eagerly anticipated bi-annual tradition that continues to this day.
As word spread, Unforgettable began performing more frequently across the York area. Proceeds from performances for local charities and churches enabled bandleader Steve to invest in a sound system and stage lighting, further elevating their shows. Over time, as the band expanded and saw changes in its roster, more of its core members hailed from the York area. To accommodate this growing local presence, rehearsals were eventually moved to First Presbyterian Church in York.
Steve Spangler, the founder of the Unforgettable Big Band
Jim Scofield (left), vocalist, and Jim Spark (right), the first musical director of the Unforgettable Big Band
Unforgettable Big Band, November 12, 2005, at the Valencia Ballroom in downtown York, Pennsylvania.
Charitable Events
Early performances by the Unforgettable Big Band focused on World War II veterans’ reunion events, a tradition the band upheld as long as surviving veterans could attend and enjoy them. Over time, as the band became more self-sufficient, it prioritized these events by dedicating increased effort to meaningful causes. One notable program honored veterans at the historic Valencia Ballroom in downtown York, PA. This event, entirely sponsored by the band, featured local news anchor Ron Martin and sitting U.S. Congressman Todd Platts as speakers. Other significant initiatives included several Memorial Day Weekend Big Band Brunch events, with proceeds supporting Wounded Warriors of PA, as well as Veterans Day Dinner/Dances in partnership with the Elks Club, which provided food and entertainment for deserving veterans in the York area. The band also supported Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to provide housing for homeless veterans.
The list of charitable organizations supported by the Unforgettable Big Band has grown to include the Shriners, Tall Cedars, Live Strong, the York Jewish Community Center, and Brown's Orchards, with proceeds often directed toward childhood cancer research. Additionally, the band has participated in programs and fundraisers for area churches, including First Presbyterian Church of York, St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Messiah United Methodist Church, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and Zion United Methodist Church. As their reach expanded, other beneficiaries of the band’s efforts have included the Carlisle United Methodist Church, the Women’s Club of York, and the York Historical Center.
Passing the Baton
By the later part of the decade, Mr. Sparks' schedule no longer allowed him to be fully involved with the band, and with Mr. Spangler nearing retirement, the time had come to pass the torch. Clarinetist and saxophonist Thomas "Thom" McLaughlin stepped into the role of head musical director, succeeding Steve Spangler, with Lindy Mack taking on the role of assistant musical director and staff arranger.
Under Thom’s leadership, the Unforgettable Big Band entered a new phase of growth and ambition. Thom dedicated himself to elevating the band’s presence across the Central Pennsylvania region, working tirelessly to secure performance opportunities, expand the band’s reach on social media, manage the rehearsal schedule, and refine the repertoire. His efforts ensured the band stayed active, visible, and poised for success.
As assistant musical director, Lindy Mack brought his exceptional talent for big band arranging to the forefront. With a keen understanding of the band’s unique strengths, Lindy crafted original arrangements tailored to the musicians’ talents. This ability to adapt and innovate allowed Unforgettable to perform a diverse range of music across multiple genres, setting the band apart as versatile and distinctive in the region.
Together, Thom and Lindy’s collaborative leadership marked a turning point for Unforgettable, propelling the band to new heights while honoring its rich musical traditions.
Unforgettable on June 4, 2010 with its new Musical Director Thom McLaughlin playing clarinet, far left
Assistant Musical Director Lindy Mack leading a rehearsal
Featuring guest vocal group The Manhattan Dolls, the band performs "In The Mood" at the Les Brown Festival in Tower City, Pennsylvania on March 24, 2012.
The Sinatra centennial celebration in the singer's hometown of Hoboken, NJ with the New York City skyline in the backdrop. Left to right: Thom McLaughlin, Musical Director; Zack Alexander, 2016 Winner of Hoboken's Sinatra Idol; Jim Scofield, Lead Male Vocalist; Doug Knight, Emcee; Lindy Mack, Assistant Musical Director
Performing at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. in March 2018.
An Expanding Mid-Atlantic Presence
A turning point for the group came in 2011, when the Unforgettable Big Band caught the attention of the Les Brown Festival. In 2012, they were invited to perform at the centennial celebration of Les Brown, the legendary bandleader of the Band of Renown. This prestigious event not only honored Brown’s legacy but also showcased the band’s exceptional talent to a wider audience, earning them recognition among fans of big band music and cementing their place in the regional jazz scene.
The excitement generated by the Les Brown Festival performance helped pave the way for another milestone: the centennial celebration of Frank Sinatra in December 2015. These sold-out shows were followed by an encore performance in May 2016 as a scholarship fundraiser for Eastern York High School in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, where the band’s lead male vocalist was a teacher. The success of these performances garnered an invitation to the Frank Sinatra Museum in Hoboken, New Jersey—Sinatra's hometown—in July 2016. The Unforgettable Big Band became part of a year-long commemoration of the "Chairman of the Board," who would have turned 100 in 2015. Through a series of performances, the band paid tribute to Sinatra’s enduring legacy, celebrating the music and charm that made him a cultural icon.
In 2018, the Unforgettable Big Band was honored to perform at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. This prestigious event, which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world, provided the band with a unique opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage. Performing against the backdrop of Washington's iconic cherry blossoms, the band delivered a dynamic set that highlighted their versatility and ability to engage a diverse audience. Their performance was met with enthusiastic applause, further solidifying their reputation as one of the premier big bands in the Mid-Atlantic region.
2015: Frank Sinatra Centennial Celebration
"Fly Me to the Moon"
Unforgettable vocalist Jim Scofield sings one of The Chairman of the Board's most recognizable songs at the York Little Theatre (today known as the Belmont Theatre).
"The Way You Look Tonight"
Unforgettable provided the instrumentation to have locally-renowned Hoboken, NJ jazz vocalist Zack Alexander sing this classic Sinatra hit.
"My Way"
Recorded on Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday, December 12, 2015, Scofield closes the centennial celebration.
Unforgettable opens up the inaugural "Big Swing Thing" event with "Rock This Town" on April 22, 2017 at the Valencia Ball Room in downtown York, Pennsylvania.
The dance floor flooded with an array of swing dancers as the band performed Count Basie's "Jumpin' at the Woodside" featuring Kerry Kyle on tenor saxophone.
Vocalist Jim Scofield performs "Mack the Knife" as attendees dance the night away.
The "Big Swing Thing"
A monumental project spearheaded by musical director Thom McLaughlin, the Big Swing Thing was a weekend-long extravaganza that united jazz musicians and swing dancers from across the Mid-Atlantic region. Designed to celebrate and revive the spirit of the swing era, the event created an electrifying atmosphere where performers and dancers came together for a non-stop celebration of jazz, big band, and swing music.
The event was a one-of-a-kind feat, breathing new life into downtown York, PA's historic Valencia Ballroom by restoring it to its original purpose as a hub for dancing and live music. Swing enthusiasts from across the country gathered for a weekend of unforgettable performances, with the event bolstered by the support of numerous local businesses. The ballroom became a vibrant epicenter of energy, community, and artistry as dancers filled the floor to the sounds of authentic big band music.
Headlining this spectacular weekend was the Unforgettable Big Band. With our signature sound and dynamic presence, we captivated audiences and dancers alike, turning the Valencia into a time machine to the golden age of swing. The event highlighted the band's ability to deliver high-energy performances that both honored tradition and celebrated modern swing culture. The Big Swing Thing remains a milestone in the band's history, successfully uniting diverse communities to share in the joy of music and dance, and solidifying our role as one of the premier big bands in the region.
Becoming a Non-Profit
As the band became even more active, they decided that keeping the traditions of big band music alive would become a prime component of their mission. Presenting performances that included an educational element became the vehicle toward that goal. In this way, the band has fostered the appreciation of this music and associated American history with many musicians, both young and old, providing mentoring and cultural enrichment experiences at every opportunity. Their concerts took on more of a "show" vibe as they began to incorporate themes and staging into their repertoire. They continued to play for the venues that had hired them up to this time, but they added visual elements to their shows, including lighting, props and video presentations to accompany the music.
Local community theaters that have also been supported by the efforts of the Unforgettable Big Band include The Belmont Theater (formerly known as York Little Theater), West Shore Theatre, Carlisle Theatre and Hershey Area Playhouse.
In addition to their mission of community service, Unforgettable Big Band has acquired, preserved and archived more than 3000 complete sets of musical arrangements of this genre, commissioned transcriptions of difficult-to-find big band arrangements and performed many other arrangements of historically significant songs of this genre created by their own Musical Director, Lindy Mack.
Performing at the annual American Gold Star Mothers convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Performing at the Elk's Lodge honoring local veterans for their service as a part of a "Heroes Among Us" tribute
"Virtual" studio recording of "Fighter," featuring Unforgettable Big Band vocalists, Jim Scofield and Christy Weist
A live performance of our award-winning rendition of "Fighter" performed with country music singer/songwriter, Corina Rose, on September 21, 2021.
In 2022, the band was honored with a second award at the at the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame (CPMHoF).
Winning Musical Accolades
In 2019, a new organization called the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame was formed to recognize and support music in Pennsylvania. In January of 2020, the band won the award for Best Ensemble at the inaugural Central Pennsylvania Music Awards, and followed that win with a CPMA Cover- To-Cover award in 2021 for a song, entitled “Fighter,” which was created to benefit the Four Diamonds Foundation, providing resources and support to the families of childhood cancer patients undergoing treatment at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Children's Hospital. From a field of 24 nominees, Unforgettable gained significant accolades and notability through this incredible award and honor.
Musical Director Thom McLaughlin, left; and Assistant Musical Director Lindy Mack, right; accepting Unforgettable's second award at the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards in 2021.
End of an Era
On November 30, 2021, Unforgettable unexpectedly lost its longtime musical director, Thomas "Thom" McLaughlin. As a tribute to an incredible legacy that he left, Unforgettable performed at his memorial service on December 18, 2021 at Messiah United Methodist Church in York, Pennsylvania.
Thom was the face of the band for over a decade having successfully transformed the band from a local community band to a well-known ensemble across the Mid-Atlantic. His hard work and dedication paid off, evidenced by the band's growth in popularity locally and even internationally -- with music streams on Spotify coming from over 30 countries and millions of minutes of the band's music streamed across the globe.
Then-Assistant Musical Director Lindy Mack succeeded Thom in leading the band to its current day.
The memorial service for the late director, Thomas McLaughlin, featuring a performance by Unforgettable.
From left to right: Anna Pavoncello, Christy Weist, Jim Scofield
Today
In 2025, the Unforgettable Big Band proudly celebrates its silver anniversary, 25 years of bringing the timeless sounds of the big band era to life. Over the years, we’ve achieved countless milestones, from local performances in York, Pennsylvania, to showcasing our talents at incredible events across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Our mission remains steadfast: to preserve and celebrate the music of the big band era while embracing modern themes that resonate with today’s audiences. Whether it’s jazz interpretations of contemporary hits or blending big band sounds with other genres, we’re constantly evolving to keep our performances fresh and engaging.
What began as a community band rooted in York has blossomed into a dynamic organization with opportunities to connect with audiences far beyond our hometown. Yet, even as we expand, we remain committed to our community origins, fostering a love of music and collaboration among our members.
As we reflect on 25 years of success, we look forward to the next chapter of our journey, continuing to share our passion, grow as an organization, and create unforgettable experiences for audiences near and far.