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 Fritz Benz ("Mr. Fabulous") grew up in Cumberland, RI. He has played trumpet for most of his life and has been on the Rhode Island music scene for over 20 years as a performer, teacher, and contractor in everything from church and classical music to shows and local swing, rock and dance bands. Prior to playing with Brass Attack, he performed regularly as trumpeter and vocalist with local swing bands including the Nightlife Orchestra, the Moonlighters, and has performed with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Little Anthony, Jerry Vale, and the Ringling Brothers Circus where he learned how to eat fire, tame lions, and juggle very sharp implements. (just kidding) He has also played many shows and was contractor and lead trumpet at Theater-by-the Sea in Matunuk, RI in the early to mid 90s. In college and graduate school he toured the Southeast U.S., Europe, and performed at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 1984 Summer Olympics in L.A. Outside of Brass Attack, Fritz still performs extensively as a trumpet soloist for weddings and other ceremonies. When not playing, he is director of bands and department chair at North Smithfield Jr/Sr High School where he has directed the award-winning Concert Bands and Jazz Ensembles since 1992. His groups have performed in festivals and won major competitions from Canada to Florida.
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