The DIVA Jazz Orchestra

Headed by swinging drummer  Sherrie Maricle, DIVA exudes the excitement and force found in the tradition of the historic big bands but with an eye towards today’s progressive sound of originality and verve. With New York as their home base, DIVA performs all over the world playing contemporary, mainstream big band jazz composed and arranged to fit the individual personalities and styles of the musicians themselves. Audiences can expect to hear high-energy performances packed with unique improvisation, spontaneity and fun.

Alexa has been DIVA’s lead alto saxophonist since she joined the band in 2015, shortly after graduating from the Eastman School of Music. With joining DIVA, Alexa was fortunate to be an on-stage musician for Maurice Hines’ Off-Broadway Production “Tappin’ Thru Life”. Alexa traveled with Maurice and DIVA for the show’s extended runs at New World Stages in New York City, Delaware Theatre Company (Wilmington, DE), and Penn’s Landing Playhouse (Philadelphia, PA). DIVA has led Alexa around the country to great venues and festivals, such as, the 2017 NEA Jazz Master’s Awards Ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2017 Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Birdland Jazz Club, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild in Pittsburgh, PA, and more. This year, DIVA has been asked to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival in August of 2018. Tarantino was a featured soloist and composer on DIVA’s latest record, 25th Anniversary Project, presented through ArtistShare (available on artistshare.com).

“It was a privilege to arrange my original composition ‘Square One’ for Sherrie Maricle & The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, and to be a part of bringing the 25th Anniversary Project music to life. I first saw DIVA at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola when I was in high school. Sherrie and the women of DIVA were huge inspirations in my decision to pursue a career as a freelance jazz musician and move to New York City.”
- Alexa Tarantino.

Website: divajazz.com
Facebook: facebook.com/divajazz
Instagram: @divajazzorchestra
Twitter: @divajazzorch