with Clarendon Hills Middle School/Plainfield North HS
2026-04-14 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | The Venue Aurora IL, 21 S Broadway Ave, Aurora, IL, 60505, United States
Pete Ellman Big Band performs with Clarendon Hills MS & Plainfield North at The Venue in downtown Aurora, IL. Join us for a night of jazz!

The Venue is pleased to present THE PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND with special guest Clarendon Hills Middle School and Plainfield North High School on Tuesday, April 14th.
DOORS = 6PM
STUDENTS = 6:30PM
PEBB = 7:30PM
~ Advance Admission ~
Premium Reserved Seating = $10
General Admission = $10
~~~~~~~~~~
⭐ PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND ⭐
The Pete Ellman Big Band (PEBB) was formed in 2009 after Pete retired from the Illinois Air National Guard after 20 years of service. They regularly invite student jazz ensembles to join them and will provide guest clinicians. This is a way to get these budding musicians into a real world environment playing the music they love in addition to an auditorium in front of parents or classmates.
Additionally, the PEBB has hosted numerous fundraisers at their events to help raise money (and food / toys) for local non-profits such as Loaves & Fishes, Toys for Tots, Kids Matter, Kidz Cabaret, Youth Symphony of DuPage, Naperville Educational Foundation, Gil Ellman Memorial Fund, and more! To Pete, it is all about giving back to the community to help kids, in general, and also to give kids an opportunity to participate in the arts.
Pete has worked full time at Ellman’s Music Center since 1985, having worked in nearly every position in the company, from repairman to outside sales representative to purchasing agent to janitor. With that kind of overall experience, he has a uniquely complete vision on how to run the business.
Pete continues to play professionally and has performed with nationally known artists such as Wayne Newton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aretha Franklin, Bob Newhart, Chicago Sinfonietta, and many more. Being a trumpet player, Pete’s favorite artist to date has been world renowned trumpeter Wayne Bergeron.
Pete attended DePaul University and majored in Music Performance. Peter attends many industry specific and financial seminars including NASMD, NAPBIRT, and NAMM. He sits on the board of the Naperville Municipal Band.

with Thornridge & Sycamore High School
2026-04-21 18:30 - 21:00
Overview

Pete Ellman Big Band performs with Thornridge & Sycamore High School at The Venue in downtown Aurora, IL. Join us for a night of jazz!

DOORS = 6PM
STUDENTS = 6:30PM

~~~~~~~~~~
⭐ PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND ⭐
The Pete Ellman Big Band (PEBB) was formed in 2009 after Pete retired from the Illinois Air National Guard after 20 years of service. They regularly invite student jazz ensembles to join them and will provide guest clinicians. This is a way to get these budding musicians into a real world environment playing the music they love in addition to an auditorium in front of parents or classmates.
Additionally, the PEBB has hosted numerous fundraisers at their events to help raise money (and food / toys) for local non-profits such as Loaves & Fishes, Toys for Tots, Kids Matter, Kidz Cabaret, Youth Symphony of DuPage, Naperville Educational Foundation, Gil Ellman Memorial Fund, and more! To Pete, it is all about giving back to the community to help kids, in general, and also to give kids an opportunity to participate in the arts.
Pete has worked full time at Ellman’s Music Center since 1985, having worked in nearly every position in the company, from repairman to outside sales representative to purchasing agent to janitor. With that kind of overall experience, he has a uniquely complete vision on how to run the business.
Pete continues to play professionally and has performed with nationally known artists such as Wayne Newton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aretha Franklin, Bob Newhart, Chicago Sinfonietta, and many more. Being a trumpet player, Pete’s favorite artist to date has been world renowned trumpeter Wayne Bergeron.
Pete attended DePaul University and majored in Music Performance. Peter attends many industry specific and financial seminars including NASMD, NAPBIRT, and NAMM. He sits on the board of the Naperville Municipal Band.
~~~~~~~~~~
~ The Venue is brought to you by Fox Valley Music Foundation, dedicated to local music awareness, education and preservation. Find out more at themusicvenue.org
~ TICKETS: We strongly recommend that you avoid buying tickets for our shows from any third parties. We will be unable to honor tickets purchased anywhere other than our website through Eventbrite or at our Box Office.

with Homewood-Flossmor High School (2 Bands)
2026-04-28 18:30 - 21:00
Overview

Pete Ellman Big Band performs with Homewood-Flossmor High School (2 Bands) at The Venue in downtown Aurora, IL. Join us for a night of jazz!

The Venue is pleased to present THE PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND with special guest Homewood-Flossmor High School (2 Bands) on Tuesday, April 27th.
DOORS = 6PM
STUDENTS = 6:30PM
PEBB = 7:30PM
~~~~~~~~~~
⭐ PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND ⭐
The Pete Ellman Big Band (PEBB) was formed in 2009 after Pete retired from the Illinois Air National Guard after 20 years of service. They regularly invite student jazz ensembles to join them and will provide guest clinicians. This is a way to get these budding musicians into a real world environment playing the music they love in addition to an auditorium in front of parents or classmates.
Additionally, the PEBB has hosted numerous fundraisers at their events to help raise money (and food / toys) for local non-profits such as Loaves & Fishes, Toys for Tots, Kids Matter, Kidz Cabaret, Youth Symphony of DuPage, Naperville Educational Foundation, Gil Ellman Memorial Fund, and more! To Pete, it is all about giving back to the community to help kids, in general, and also to give kids an opportunity to participate in the arts.
Pete has worked full time at Ellman’s Music Center since 1985, having worked in nearly every position in the company, from repairman to outside sales representative to purchasing agent to janitor. With that kind of overall experience, he has a uniquely complete vision on how to run the business.
Pete continues to play professionally and has performed with nationally known artists such as Wayne Newton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aretha Franklin, Bob Newhart, Chicago Sinfonietta, and many more. Being a trumpet player, Pete’s favorite artist to date has been world renowned trumpeter Wayne Bergeron.
Pete attended DePaul University and majored in Music Performance. Peter attends many industry specific and financial seminars including NASMD, NAPBIRT, and NAMM. He sits on the board of the Naperville Municipal Band.
~~~~~~~~~~

with Downers Grove South High School (2 Bands)
2026-05-05 18:30 - 21:00
Pete Ellman Big Band performs with Downers Grove South HS (2 Bands) at The Venue in downtown Aurora, IL. Join us for a night of jazz!

The Venue is pleased to present THE PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND with special guest Downers Grove South High School (2 Bands) on Tuesday, May 5th.
DOORS = 6PM
~~~~~~~~~~
⭐ PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND ⭐
The Pete Ellman Big Band (PEBB) was formed in 2009 after Pete retired from the Illinois Air National Guard after 20 years of service. They regularly invite student jazz ensembles to join them and will provide guest clinicians. This is a way to get these budding musicians into a real world environment playing the music they love in addition to an auditorium in front of parents or classmates.
Additionally, the PEBB has hosted numerous fundraisers at their events to help raise money (and food / toys) for local non-profits such as Loaves & Fishes, Toys for Tots, Kids Matter, Kidz Cabaret, Youth Symphony of DuPage, Naperville Educational Foundation, Gil Ellman Memorial Fund, and more! To Pete, it is all about giving back to the community to help kids, in general, and also to give kids an opportunity to participate in the arts.
Pete has worked full time at Ellman’s Music Center since 1985, having worked in nearly every position in the company, from repairman to outside sales representative to purchasing agent to janitor. With that kind of overall experience, he has a uniquely complete vision on how to run the business.
Pete continues to play professionally and has performed with nationally known artists such as Wayne Newton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aretha Franklin, Bob Newhart, Chicago Sinfonietta, and many more. Being a trumpet player, Pete’s favorite artist to date has been world renowned trumpeter Wayne Bergeron.
Pete attended DePaul University and majored in Music Performance. Peter attends many industry specific and financial seminars including NASMD, NAPBIRT, and NAMM. He sits on the board of the Naperville Municipal Band.

with Downers Grove North High School(2 Bands)
2026-05-12 18:30 - 21:00
Pete Ellman Big Band performs with Downers Grove North HS (2 Bands) at The Venue in downtown Aurora, IL. Join us for a night of jazz!

The Venue is pleased to present THE PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND with special guest Downers Grove North High School (2 Bands) on Tuesday, May 12th.

~~~~~~~~~~
⭐ PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND ⭐
The Pete Ellman Big Band (PEBB) was formed in 2009 after Pete retired from the Illinois Air National Guard after 20 years of service. They regularly invite student jazz ensembles to join them and will provide guest clinicians. This is a way to get these budding musicians into a real world environment playing the music they love in addition to an auditorium in front of parents or classmates.
Additionally, the PEBB has hosted numerous fundraisers at their events to help raise money (and food / toys) for local non-profits such as Loaves & Fishes, Toys for Tots, Kids Matter, Kidz Cabaret, Youth Symphony of DuPage, Naperville Educational Foundation, Gil Ellman Memorial Fund, and more! To Pete, it is all about giving back to the community to help kids, in general, and also to give kids an opportunity to participate in the arts.
Pete has worked full time at Ellman’s Music Center since 1985, having worked in nearly every position in the company, from repairman to outside sales representative to purchasing agent to janitor. With that kind of overall experience, he has a uniquely complete vision on how to run the business.
Pete continues to play professionally and has performed with nationally known artists such as Wayne Newton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aretha Franklin, Bob Newhart, Chicago Sinfonietta, and many more. Being a trumpet player, Pete’s favorite artist to date has been world renowned trumpeter Wayne Bergeron.
Pete attended DePaul University and majored in Music Performance. Peter attends many industry specific and financial seminars including NASMD, NAPBIRT, and NAMM. He sits on the board of the Naperville Municipal Band.

with West Aurora High School (2 Bands)
2026-05-19 18:30 - 21:00
Pete Ellman Big Band performs with West Aurora High School (2 Bands) at The Venue in downtown Aurora, IL. Join us for a night of jazz!

The Venue is pleased to present THE PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND with special guest West Aurora High School (2 Bands) on Tuesday, May 19th.
DOORS = 6PM
STUDENTS = 6:30PM
PEBB = 7:30PM
~ Advance Admission ~
Premium Reserved Seating = $10
General Admission = $10
~~~~~~~~~~
⭐ PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND ⭐
The Pete Ellman Big Band (PEBB) was formed in 2009 after Pete retired from the Illinois Air National Guard after 20 years of service. They regularly invite student jazz ensembles to join them and will provide guest clinicians. This is a way to get these budding musicians into a real world environment playing the music they love in addition to an auditorium in front of parents or classmates.
Additionally, the PEBB has hosted numerous fundraisers at their events to help raise money (and food / toys) for local non-profits such as Loaves & Fishes, Toys for Tots, Kids Matter, Kidz Cabaret, Youth Symphony of DuPage, Naperville Educational Foundation, Gil Ellman Memorial Fund, and more! To Pete, it is all about giving back to the community to help kids, in general, and also to give kids an opportunity to participate in the arts.
Pete has worked full time at Ellman’s Music Center since 1985, having worked in nearly every position in the company, from repairman to outside sales representative to purchasing agent to janitor. With that kind of overall experience, he has a uniquely complete vision on how to run the business.
Pete continues to play professionally and has performed with nationally known artists such as Wayne Newton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aretha Franklin, Bob Newhart, Chicago Sinfonietta, and many more. Being a trumpet player, Pete’s favorite artist to date has been world renowned trumpeter Wayne Bergeron.
Pete attended DePaul University and majored in Music Performance. Peter attends many industry specific and financial seminars including NASMD, NAPBIRT, and NAMM. He sits on the board of the Naperville Municipal Band.

with Jewell Middle School & West Aurora HS (2 Bands)
2026-05-26 18:30 - 21:00
Pete Ellman Big Band performs with Jewell MS & West Aurora HS (2 Bands) at The Venue in downtown Aurora, IL. Join us for a night of jazz!

The Venue is pleased to present THE PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND with special guest Jewell Middle School & West Aurora High School (2 Bands) on Tuesday, May 26th.
DOORS = 6PM
STUDENTS = 6:30PM
PEBB = 7:30PM
~ Advance Admission ~
Premium Reserved Seating = $10
General Admission = $10
~~~~~~~~~~
⭐ PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND ⭐
The Pete Ellman Big Band (PEBB) was formed in 2009 after Pete retired from the Illinois Air National Guard after 20 years of service. They regularly invite student jazz ensembles to join them and will provide guest clinicians. This is a way to get these budding musicians into a real world environment playing the music they love in addition to an auditorium in front of parents or classmates.
Additionally, the PEBB has hosted numerous fundraisers at their events to help raise money (and food / toys) for local non-profits such as Loaves & Fishes, Toys for Tots, Kids Matter, Kidz Cabaret, Youth Symphony of DuPage, Naperville Educational Foundation, Gil Ellman Memorial Fund, and more! To Pete, it is all about giving back to the community to help kids, in general, and also to give kids an opportunity to participate in the arts.
Pete has worked full time at Ellman’s Music Center since 1985, having worked in nearly every position in the company, from repairman to outside sales representative to purchasing agent to janitor. With that kind of overall experience, he has a uniquely complete vision on how to run the business.
Pete continues to play professionally and has performed with nationally known artists such as Wayne Newton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aretha Franklin, Bob Newhart, Chicago Sinfonietta, and many more. Being a trumpet player, Pete’s favorite artist to date has been world renowned trumpeter Wayne Bergeron.
Pete attended DePaul University and majored in Music Performance. Peter attends many industry specific and financial seminars including NASMD, NAPBIRT, and NAMM. He sits on the board of the Naperville Municipal Band.

PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND SUMMER DRUM AND PERCUSSION SPECTACULAR - Featuring Matt Plaskota
2026-06-23 19:00 - 22:30
Pete Ellman Big Band performs at The Venue on June 23rd. Join us for a night of amazing percussion and big band jazz!

The Venue is pleased to present THE PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND Featuring Matt Plaskota Tuesday, June 23rd.
Doors = 6:00PM
Show = 7:00 PM
~ Advance Admission ~
Premium Reserved Seating = $25
General Admission = $20
~ Day of Show ~
Additional Door Charge = $5
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⭐ ABOUT ⭐
The PEBB will be joined by several additional percussionists to deliver a heart-thumping, toe-tapping summer drum spectacular. This is the first of a three-show series that the PEBB will present at The Venue over the summer of 2026. Tickets are per performance date.
During the school year, PEBB regularly invites student jazz ensembles to join them and will provide guest clinicians. This is a way to get these budding musicians into a real-world environment, playing the music they love, in addition to an auditorium in front of parents or classmates.
Additionally, the PEBB has hosted numerous fundraisers at their events to help raise money (and food / toys) for local non-profits such as Loaves & Fishes, Toys for Tots, Kids Matter, Kidz Cabaret, Youth Symphony of DuPage, Naperville Educational Foundation, Gil Ellman Memorial Fund, and more! To Pete, it is all about giving back to the community to help kids, in general, and also to give kids an opportunity to participate in the arts.
Pete has worked full time at Ellman’s Music Center since 1985, having worked in nearly every position in the company, from repairman to outside sales representative to purchasing agent to janitor. With that kind of overall experience, he has a uniquely complete vision on how to run the business.
Pete continues to play professionally and has performed with nationally known artists such as Wayne Newton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aretha Franklin, Bob Newhart, Chicago Sinfonietta, and many more. Being a trumpet player, Pete’s favorite artist to date has been world renowned trumpeter Wayne Bergeron.
Pete attended DePaul University and majored in Music Performance. Peter attends many industry specific and financial seminars including NASMD, NAPBIRT, and NAMM. He sits on the board of the Naperville Municipal Band.
~~~~~~~~~~
~ The Venue is brought to you by Fox Valley Music Foundation, dedicated to local music awareness, education and preservation. Find out more at themusicvenue.org
~ TICKETS: We strongly recommend that you avoid buying tickets for our shows from any third parties. We will be unable to honor tickets purchased anywhere other than our website through Eventbrite or at our Box Office.

An Evening with Thaddeus Tukes
2026-07-28 20:00 - 22:00

An Evening with Leslie Beukelman
2026-08-25 20:00 - 22:00

Featuring Ernie Watts
2026-09-22 20:00 - 22:00
