ABOUT US

A versatile jazz ensemble delivering timeless American standards through refined arrangements and engaging performances.

OUR STORY

Founded in 2009, 5th Avenue Jazz began as a trio and has grown into a versatile ensemble offering duo, trio, quartet, and quintet performances throughout Southern Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region.

Our music centers on classic American Songbook jazz standards—songs that have stood the test of time—presented with thoughtful arrangements and a deep respect for the composers, lyricists, and performers who shaped America’s jazz legacy.

What sets a 5th Avenue Jazz performance apart is more than the music itself. Each performance is designed to be warm, interactive, and engaging, inviting audiences into the stories behind the songs.

We share insights into the history of the music, the composers and lyricists, the artists who made it famous, and the moments that gave these songs their lasting meaning—creating an experience that entertains on both a musical and personal level.

Meet the Band

The talented musicians behind the sound of 5th Avenue Jazz

Vincent Varrassi

piano/vocalist

Bringing his New York City musical flair for piano and vocal performances, Vincent Varrassi has been performing since he was 16 years old as a soloist and band leader. With his band, A Touch of Class, he and his bandmates wowed audiences with everything from American Standards to contemporary hits in the 1980s through the early 2000s in NYC and New Jersey.

Relocating to Delaware in 2008, he and former bandmate, Ken Cicerale began playing dates on Delmarva, ultimately forming a new band, 5thAvenue and the band has continued entertaining audiences in clubs, and private venues throughout the state. He later was invited to join forces with bassist, Jeff Cooper, and became a member of a cast of piano players and vocalists in the duo, “Notes on the Beach”, and has performed a variety of themed shows throughout DE and MD since 2018. Vincent wows audiences with his vocals and showman’s personality.

Monte Wisbrock

soprano/tenor saxophone

Monte grew up in a central Illinois town of 900, and began playing professionally as a teenager in Springfield. His first gigs were at Curley’s Lounge, 10 to 3 in a.m. on school nights. After majoring in Jazz Studies at college, he joined the U S Navy band and then the U S Army band for total of 27 years, playing combos and big band performances in the DC area and worldwide, as well as frequent freelance gigs.

He worked with many internationally known artists and venues over his career. After retiring as group leader of the US Army Blues jazz band, Monte took a break for about 20 years. He now enjoys cruising in the back seat of 5th Avenue.

Jeff Cooper

upright/electric bass

Jeff ’s expertise on double bass welcomed him into virtually every musical theater orchestra in the Washington Metropolitan Area including the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, the National, Ford’s and Baltimore’s Hippodrome theaters.

Jeff ’s extraordinary talent then took him to Broadway where he performed The Woman in White,
Lovemusik, and the revivals of Ragtime and Evita. Rounding out his musical versatility, Jeff also freelances with classical orchestras and is a member of the jazz combo 5th Avenue Jazz.

Ken Schleifer

drums/vocalist

Retired after 38 years as an Elementary Instrumental Music Teacher for the Indian River and Cape Henlopen School Districts, Ken now enjoys sharing the joy of making music with his many musical friends.

For the past 30 years Ken has performed as a drummer/percussionist/vocalist for many musical organizations around the Delmarva Region including the Possum Point Players, Bay Star Productions, Clear Space Theatre Company, the Southern Delaware Choral Society, CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, the Capital Ringers, with the musical groups Giant Steps, 2nd Time Around, The Al Frantic Band, Bad River, for musical theatre productions at the Milton Theatre, and as a founding member of the jazz trio/quartet 5th Avenue Jazz.

PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS. TIMELESS MUSIC.

Our Jazz Ensembles

Each format features seasoned professional musicians performing timeless jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, delivered with refined arrangements and engaging audience interaction.

5th Avenue Jazz offers a range of performance formats designed to suit events of all sizes and styles. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a large-scale event, our ensemble options provide the perfect balance of elegance, flexibility, and musical excellence.

Band Performances

Each performance is thoughtfully tailored to the venue and audience, ensuring the right tone—whether relaxed and elegant or lively and interactive.

For a richer, more dynamic sound, 5th Avenue Jazz’s ensemble performances bring energy, swing, and depth to any occasion. From classic ballads to upbeat standards, our group performances create an engaging atmosphere that resonates with audiences.