Gazze was formed in 1971. Inspired by groups such as Chicago and BS&T, the Dundalk based group played mostly top 40 and dance music with a sprinkling of originals. Their first gig was at Patapsco Senior High School where they were seen often over the years. Also seen in the early years at Unity Hall in Dundalk, Steelworkers Hall, Maiden Choice Teen Center, Our Lady of Hope, Eastwind… Since then, During their 50+ year run, Gazze ‘The Fun Band’ has performed at countless teen centers and school dances, and played more than 1000 weddings, and more than 3,000 events.
The original group featured Dwight Weems (vocals ex-El-Rays, Huns Revue), Bob Matarozza (lead guitar ex-Huns Revue), Bill Krentz (bass), Don Bogert (keyboards ex-Playmates), Mark Mason (drums), Mark Stein (trumpet), Richard Winkler (sax), and Doug Purviance (trombone ex-Huns).
In their 50+ year history the Gazze rhythm section endured very few changes. while a number of brass players came and went. On guitar Dave Leoni (ex-Second Phaz, Annie Oakley) replaced Matarozza, drummer Bill Mitchell replaced Mason, and bassist Al Keitz replaced Krentz. Vocalist Reed Martin (ex-Gigs, Staggerwing) fronted Gazze for a period in the ‘80s. Several female vocalists included Julie Bauer, and Tatum Adair. Some of the brass players included Marlon Deacon (sax ex-Interns, Stoneberry Blue), Rick Piniecki (trumpet ex-Stoneberry Blue, Capris), Leo Szymanski (trumpet), Scott Taylor (trumpet), John Vervan (Trombone), Bill Hughsman (trombone), David Robinson (sax), Nancy Kushner (sax), J.J. Gunning (trombone)…
Stein left in ’71 and joined Chrome… Former member Martin later fronted Stevie & the Satellites, and a re-formed Gigs in the ‘00s. Gunning went on to join the Heat & the Cold Sweat Horns, and Carey Ziegler’s Expensive Hobby…
Pictured left to right are: Bill Hughsman (trombone), Scott Taylor (trumpet), Marlin Deacon (saxophone), Mark Mason (drums), Dwight Weems (lead vocals), Bill Krentz (bass), Bob Matarozza (lead guitar). Not shown on far left is Don Bogert (keyboards).
Former Gazze trombonist J.J. Gunning wrote to identify this photo. J.J. was also a member of Steppin’ Blues, that evolved to become The Heat & The Cold Sweat Horns, also Expensive Hobby, and the Crack Pack Horns of Crack the Sky.
Lead vocalist Dwight Weems, a graduate of Dundalk Senior High School, notes that “We were 5-6 years in the business when this photo was taken. We are now in year 54 (as of 2025), an amazing feat in the live music business. We are still performing private events in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island.”
Check out their book ‘GAZZE 40 Years of Live Music!’ Published in 2011. A portion of proceeds went to benefit cancer research.
Gazze has shared stages with stars such as Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder. They made guest performances on WBAL-TV, MPT, WBFF-TV, WJZ-TV and WMAR-TV. The group performed at many of Baltimore’s local neighborhood festivals including Fells Point and Highlandtown. They also helped numerous charities including UCP, MPT, MDA, SPCA, and many more.
A 2009 Gazze lineup featured Dwight Weems (vocals), Donna Cameron (vocals), Don Bogert (keyboards), Dave Leoni (guitar), Al Keitz (bass), Bill Mitchell (drums), Leo Szymanski (trumpet), Roland Rizzo (sax), Bonnie McManaman (sax/violin) and Marty Canelli (engineering).
