
Ron Siven’s lifelong passion has been music. In 2023, he decided it may be the perfect time to become the leader of his own band.
The Prior Lake resident, his wife and son were all members of the Prior Lake Windjammers community band that delighted audiences throughout the area for close to 60 years. Siven also had a strong interest in big band sounds that were popular in the mid-1900s, and shared with other musicians his interest in forming a new group with a different music focus. Word spread, and former bandmates from high school and college expressed a desire to join. “Lakeside Big Band” was launched and rehearsals started shortly thereafter to resurrect big hits from the swing era.
“The Lakeside Big Band was formed with the idea of bringing joy to our audience while creating a fun and rewarding experience for musicians,” Siven said. “We aim to play music that not only resonates with us but also challenges us to grow as performers.”
While the band first started with a few musicians short of a full ensemble, it still proved to be a strong foundation on which to build their membership that now numbers 15. Section leaders include Siven on saxophone, Rob Kocher on trumpet, Joe Dols on trombone and the rhythm section headed by Rob Sutrick. Siven says the group is truly a community effort that includes family, friends, coworkers and even children of friends. It’s an eclectic group of all ages that extends from retirees, college students pursuing music degrees, younger cohorts who only perform during the summer months and others who live outside of the immediate Prior Lake area. Flexibility, Siven said, is the key to maintaining a vibrant and dynamic group that remains passionate about music.

Practices are usually held weekly at Hidden Oaks Middle School band room. The group does not charge a fee for performing but does collect annual dues from band members to cover the cost of purchasing music and equipment. Occasionally, a financial stipend for playing is offered, but the band is primarily self-funded.
For most members, big band music now being played by the group was replaced with other genres long before they were born. Newcomers are always welcome and often join to gain confidence in playing their musical instrument, or to further develop jazz skills and stylistic interpretation.
Lakeside Big Band’s repertoire features covers of progressive concert music made popular by the likes of The Buddy Rich Big Band, Count Basie Orchestra, Thad Jones & Mel Lewis and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Members enjoy the selections that challenge them to grow as performers while refining their musical skills, according to Siven, but the diverse musical experiences are also enjoyed by their audiences since live swing and jazz musical performances are a rarity today.
“We’re not exactly a wedding band,” Siven said. “While we do have a few danceable numbers, we’re more of a show band. We’re open to performing at a variety of events, whether indoor or outdoor, and always looking for new opportunities to share our music.”
The local band’s goal is to showcase the enduring artistry of big band jazz and to inspire others to see it as a lifelong craft, Siven said. Their following has grown after performing with the Prior Lake Windjammers and the Prior Lake High School Jazz Ensemble. The group had a gig in Clearwater, Minn., last month and also played for an appreciative crowd at the Prior Lake VFW Club on Tuesday night.
“Lakeside Big Band is all about celebrating the timelessness of big band jazz while creating a fun and unforgettable experience for everyone,” Siven said. He added that most performances feature a mix of classic and contemporary big band music that draws from the inspirations of legendary groups from long ago, as well as some hidden gems from lesser-known composers.
“We’re not just here to entertain. We’re here to share our passion for this incredible style of music and showcase how it continues to inspire musicians of all ages and backgrounds,” Siven said. “Whether you’re a lifelong jazz enthusiast or hearing big band music for the first time, we promise to bring energy, skill and heart to every note we play.”