Steve Pettafor, Bandleader and Trumpet

In 1997, Steve started a "rehearsal" band.  It soon became clear that the music they were making was too good to keep to themselves.  His leadership has created one of the hottest big bands working today.  His vision of blending classic and contemporary styles has produced an award-winning sound.  Inspired by Steve's enthusiasm and sense of fun, these accomplished players clearly enjoy themselves.

Arlene Zock, Vocals

Joining the band in December 2000, Arlene's charismatic delivery paid homage to the artistry of Peggy Lee, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, and many others.

Arlene passed away  July 28, 2011 after giving breast cancer the fight of its life.  A gifted vocalist and vocal arranger, she refused to let the disease and the countless surgeries, radiation, chemo treatments, tests, pills, needles, scans, checkups, follow-ups and "procedures" stop, or even slow her down. Her last singing performance was with her beloved George Lake Big Band on July 2nd. Days later, she rehearsed with her fellow members of Whisky Jack for the only gig in her life she was ever too sick to make. Her beautiful smile and infectious laugh are sadly missed by the love of her life David Bowes, - "for the great relief of having you to talk to" - by her brothers Bill and Gord Zock, Gord's wife Kim Smith and by her many friends and band mates who she loved like brothers and sisters. Special thanks to the wonderful doctors and staff at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre for their skill and compassion. Cremation has already taken place and a celebration of her life was held October 13th, her 58th birthday.

Kathy Thompson, Vocals

Since her first performance at age 16, Kathy has been a professional singer, getting her roots as a voice major and learning jazz at Humber College in Toronto, and studying with various private voice teachers. Kathy was the vocalist for the Royal Canadian Air Force 55-piece Central Band where she was also a staff copyist / calligrapher. In Toronto Kathy is well known for her performances at clubs, festivals, corporate events, private functions, television, film & recordings working with Toronto’s finest musicians.

Kathy has performed the principal role of the groom’s mother for 7 years in the hilarious musical comedy improv show “Joey & Gina’s Comedy Wedding” as the tipsy “Hot Mama” Giovanna Prosciutto.

Today, Kathy enjoys coaching pop singers, seniors and vocal groups, giving private singing lessons in her studio, Pure Voice Power in east Toronto.

Rena Gaile, Vocals

Rena is no stranger to the Toronto music scene.  She has delighted audiences with her singing for almost two decades. She has performed with her band all over Toronto in clubs, shows and at hundreds of weddings, parties and corporate events and is well known for her rich vocal styling. She performed with world renowned Flugel horn Maestro Guido Basso for fifteen years, creating musical groups to perform at Toronto's most high profile events and fundraising Galas. Her recordings and videos received extensive airplay across Canada in the 90's and garnered her many nominations recognizing her as one of Canada's top female vocalists.

Sharon Smith, Vocals

After graduating from York University with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Jazz Performance, Sharon embarked on a performance career that included musical theatre, nightclubs, family and corporate parties, radio and television commercials, live television appearances and liturgical Jewish repertoire in the synagogue.

With the birth of her children, she became interested in early childhood music and trained to become a teacher.  Sharon is currently very active as a professional singer, teaching children music using the Orff method for the Toronto District School Board, and running her own private music classes for young children.  

The George Lake Big Band Performers

Trombones:
Jeurgen Kalzer
Ron Robbins (Arranger)
Allan Jaffray
Jim Nevins
Michael Kearns 

Rhythm:
Ken Cory (Piano)
Chris Burrell (Drums)
Mitch Wallace (Guitar)
Bruce Griffin (Bass)
Paul Catalano (Percussion)