Starting off as a woodwind player, performing Classical, Swing and Jazz works on clarinet. Working in classical contests, plays and semi-pro theatre musicals. Jumping into the Saxophone, Guitar, Drums, Bass and Vocals in the late 70”s opened up new horizons expanding field of performance from standard rock bands to showcase and tribute bands on regional tours. Focusing on strengths, TJ’s main talents now are with the Baritone & Tenor Sax, Lead Vocals and some rhythm guitar. Along with his own works, TJ has performed studio sessions for others especially several CD's for International Blues artist Travis Haddix.

Through the years Tony has performed with many local Big Bands (while still having his own group) and has filled in with professional bands like: Martha Reeves, The Dells, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Travis Haddix to name a few.

Personal Musicianship Information:

Best Instrument: Baritone Sax, Tenor Sax.
Reading Abilities = Excellent.
Solo Abilities = Excellent.
Other Attributes = Songwriter & Arranger
What makes Tony Fortunato better than the average sax player?
Not a selfish player. He plays for the sound. He can drive a section, push the music but never bury a lead vocal or melody. Knows when to play and when not to play. Adding more bounce to the bottom, or cool tones behind the lead. Has a tremendous ear and can compensate and modulate immediately.

About Tony Fortunato and the Emperors of Swing.

In the late 80’s after playing in local & regional bands, I decided to develop my own sound. Putting together the best songs and music styles I performed over the years guiding several arrangers to improve, reinvent, evolve and customize the material by adding a “Vegas” type feel influenced by Tower of Power, Chicago, Count Basie, Blood Sweat & Tears and Sinatra. Investing my time, money and energy for a long-term product, I developed a unique and powerful sound. Building a library of custom arranged songs (and I am consistently adding). We now have one of the largest performing books of over 2000 songs.

Tony Fortunato and the Emperors of Swing.

We are predominately a Swing band, but with my personal “no limitations in music” we cover Swing, Jazz and R&B Blues. My custom arrangements insure us that no one else has our sound. We are able to go from Sam & Dave to Sinatra to Kenton to Chicago to Elvis and play them correctly. We perform an improved version of the material our way.

We keep our music fresh by limiting the number of songs we tribute to each artist. All of our music is fun, entertaining and danceable. I designed this band to be an entertainment sound band. Great music performed excellent, while keeping it motivating for the audience.

Music is our business, not a hobby!

Through the years Tony has performed and recorded with many local, regional and professional touring bands like: Martha Reeves, The Dells, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Travis Haddix to name a few. We have worked with “Big Bad Voodoo Daddy” and “David Benoit” at Blossom Music Center. Live TV performances on FOX 8 TV. Specialty Festivals. City Park Concerts. Wedding Receptions and a plethora of private functions including Fundraisers at the Cleveland Browns Stadium and for The Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field.

“Every Dramatic Event Must Have Music”

General Booking Information

FEES: A small NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is due at time of booking. Weddings, Corporate & Private functions must complete balance prior to performance. Special payment schedule for all City concert functions.  Payments can be made with Cash, Check or you may use a credit card (or e-check) through our on-line “PayPal” account.

OVERTIME: Any additional performance (overtime) if requested by client and must be agreed to by Tony Fortunato shall be billed at an hourly rate that will be stated in the official contract, payable upon the completion of the overtime performance. If no fee were given in the official contract, overtime would not be available.

SET UP: Band will arrive 1 hour prior to start time to set up equipment. If set up is required more than 1 hour prior to start time, an additional fee of $150.00 will be imposed / added to costs. For outdoor performances, protection from the weather must be provided (tent, gazebo, pavilion, or equivalent). We have the right not to perform if protection to the band and equipment is not provided. Since the date is reserved, the contract payment must be made even if weather conditions cancel your event. Adequate power and staging must be available to the band.

Band personal may change without notice.
Performance time includes breaks.
Normally each hour of performance is broken down into 45 on / 15 off.
Band fee is based on consecutive hours at the location, regardless of how playing schedule may break up into for the event.