Brandon Tomasello, a South Philadelphia native, is revitalizing the golden era of big band music with his passion and talent. Inspired by records from his grandparents, Brandon became the youngest headliner in Atlantic City history at 19 and has since performed at top venues like Borgata and Hard Rock. Now, he's paying tribute to Frank Sinatra by recording unperformed arrangements by Billy Byers, discovered in the Library of Congress. With the blessing of Byers’ estate and featuring Billy’s son Bryant on trombone, Brandon’s project, The Lost Sinatra - Basie Arrangements with The City Rhythm Orchestra, breathes new life into a timeless sound while preserving its rich legacy.

The Project

The swinging big band era of the 1940s is often celebrated as the golden age of music. For Brandon Tomasello, this timeless genre became a lifelong passion at the age of just 8, when he picked up his first record from his grandparents. From the moment he heard the intricate harmonies of saxophones, trumpets, and trombones, he was hooked.

While many of his peers gravitated toward R&B and Hip Hop, Brandon was captivated by the rich soundscapes of the big band era. By 18, he was determined to prove that this music still had a place in the modern world.

Brandon’s first big break came with a sold-out performance at Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, which led to a six-month residency—making him the youngest headliner in Atlantic City history to achieve such a feat. Since then, he has performed at renowned venues including Borgata, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, Harrah's, and Tropicana. Brandon has also worked alongside SNL alumnus Joe Piscopo, who affectionately nicknamed him “The Kid.” In 2020, he released his debut studio album, My Kind of Swing, showcasing his dedication to reviving and reinventing the Great American Songbook.

Hailing from South Philadelphia, Brandon is now paying tribute to Frank Sinatra by bringing fresh life to big band arrangements Sinatra once performed with the Count Basie Orchestra in the 1960s. While researching in the Library of Congress, Brandon discovered original, unrecorded scores by Billy Byers, one of Sinatra’s arrangers. With permission from the Byers estate, Brandon is recording these forgotten gems for a new album, The Lost Sinatra - Basie Arrangements with The City Rhythm Orchestra. These sessions, held at SoundPlex Studios in New Jersey, mark the first formal recording of these historic arrangements.

Brandon credits his grandparents for instilling in him a love for Sinatra’s music. As a student at the Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School, he developed his musical skills while diving deep into the works of jazz legends. His passion for authentic big band sound even led him to commission transcriptions of classic charts, fueling his dream of leading his own band.

Through determination and a profound respect for musical history, Brandon connected with Bryant Byers, Billy Byers’ son, who not only granted permission for the recordings but also joined the project, playing trombone on the album. “Brandon’s passion and dedication to these arrangements are undeniable,” Bryant Byers remarked.

For Brandon, this project is a heartfelt tribute. “The least I can do for someone who brought my family so much joy is to keep their legacy alive,” he said.

Support Us

Help bring Brandon Tomasello’s inspiring story to life by supporting our film that celebrates his journey to preserve the golden era of big band music. Brandon is recording never-before-heard Frank Sinatra arrangements, unearthed from the Library of Congress, and reviving a legacy that might otherwise be lost. This film isn’t just about music—it’s about family, tradition, and the power of passion to bridge generations. Your donation will help us share this incredible story with the world and honor the timeless magic of the Great American Songbook. Together, we can keep this music alive for future generations!

Donation Tiers and Perks:

$25 - Prelude: A heartfelt digital thank-you and exclusive early access to the film before its public release.

$50 - Harmony: Your name will be proudly listed in the credits as a supporter, a lasting note in this musical journey.

$100 - Melody: Receive an exclusive digital soundtrack featuring music from the project, including Brandon’s recordings of the lost Sinatra arrangements.

$500 - Crescendo: Enjoy an invitation to an intimate special screening or live performance by Brandon Tomasello, immersing yourself in the magic of big band music.

$1,000 - Soloist: Receive all previous perks, plus a signed poster of the film and a behind-the-scenes digital booklet capturing Brandon’s story and the making of the movie.

$2,500 - Maestro: Be part of an exclusive VIP experience, including a meet-and-greet with Brandon Tomasello, reserved seating at the special screening or performance, and a personalized thank-you video from Brandon himself.

$5,000 - Symphony: Join as an Executive Producer with your name prominently featured in the film’s opening credits. Receive all previous perks, a framed and signed sheet of the lost Sinatra arrangements, and an invitation to a private dinner with Brandon and the production team.

Your Pledge

A film budget is a comprehensive financial plan that outlines all the projected costs involved in producing and marketing a film. Bringing Brandon Tomasello’s story to life requires investing in skilled professionals, including directors, cinematographers, lighting and sound engineers, as well as creatives like editors, marketing teams, and communication coordinators. This film will be produced with the highest production values, using cutting-edge technology and equipment to capture the timeless beauty of big band music and Brandon’s passion. We are seeking $30,000 in pledges to bring this inspiring story to the screen and preserve an important piece of musical history. 

Film Production

We began filming on June 10, 2024 and will continue through to mid-May- 2025, shooting at least two concerts where they will perform this album live. We wanted to let you know everyone working on the film right now is working on spec...meaning they're not being paid upfront but only after we raise enough support and interest to compensate them. They're willing to go all in on it, and we hope you will, too. Production time includes fifteen full days of shooting (we split the day on some shoots) for the director, producer, assistant, camera, lighting, and sound. For more budget information details contact, George Koch at info@thesoundplex.com 

Our Mission

To preserve and celebrate the timeless legacy of big band music and the Great American Songbook by sharing Brandon Tomasello’s inspiring journey. Through this film, we aim to honor the past, revive forgotten musical treasures, and inspire future generations to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of jazz and swing."

This mission connects Brandon's story to a broader purpose, emphasizing cultural preservation, inspiration, and storytelling.

At MindSurgery Entertainment and The Soundplex,  our goal is to create meaningful films that highlight the resilience of the human spirit. We believe in the transformative power of community, where people uplift