Matt Tolentino
42nd Street
The Way You Look Tonight
Mado - French Musette
New Liberty Dance Orchestra
Me and the Man in the Moon
Our Love Is Here To Stay
I Get The Blues When It Rains
My Baby Just Cares For Me
The Very Thought Of You
James Bertsch
James Bertsch, Photo Credit
Gary Busk, Photo Credit
Courtesy Dasha Semenyuk
Gary Busk, Photo Credit
Photo by Dan Brown
Courtesy of The Ted Lewis Museum
Sherry Houpt, Photo Credit
Thomas Garza, Photo Credit
James Bertsch, Photo Credit
Photo by Ron Turner
Photo by Frank Polgar
Courtesy Go Oak Cliff
Photo by Alan Duffy
Photo by Mark Lenz
Kris Ikejiri, Photo Credit
Overview
Welcome to the most authentic 1920s/30s band in the tri-state. I travel the state, country, and beyond to bring this great music to people just like you with attire, instruments, drums, and microphones from the era and a repertoire of 6,000 songs.
Highly enjoyable, danceable, and fun we're just the thing for you and your guests. I lead the bands, sing and play clarinet, saxophone, accordion, and piano. Bands large and small, we have them all - for private, public, and corporate events. No distance is too great. We have a long list of satisfied clients; corporate parties, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and Gatsby/Prohibition parties. Give us a listen and we'll see you soon!
Reviews
20 reviews
Rachel R.
October 23, 2025Amazing! We loved Matt!
Matt brought incredible energy to the event—keeping the crowd engaged, the music flowing, and the atmosphere upbeat for hours. He was complimentary of the venue and the brewers at our beer fest, seamlessly ran the stein-holding contest, and was a true professional from start to finish. Highly recommend working with him!
Hired as: Polka Band
Jeanette G.
October 5, 2025Fantastic!
Matt was incredible. Brought great German feeling to our Oktoberfest! Would have him back next year! 5 stars and more! Very professional.
Hired as: Polka Band
Sami B.
September 30, 2024Awesome!!
This is the second year in a row they performed at our annual Oktoberfest event. They did an amazing job. The music was good and they did great job at announcing everything! We are hoping they will come back again next year.
Hired as: Polka Band
Gayla M.
April 2, 2024Wonderful Jazz Band
Matt Tolentino's jazz band played for my mother's 95th birthday party. They were excellent and so entertaining! The 1920's music had everyone dancing. Everyone really enjoyed them. I highly recommend this band.
Hired as: 1920s Era Entertainment
Matt Tolentino
Hi, Gayla! It was our pleasure - thanks a million for hiring us and allowing us to be a part of such a special evening.
Stefan H.
March 4, 2024Matt & His Accordion Was Amazing
I had a 50th birthday party for my wife at the Manor House in Mason, OH and Matt was amazing. All the guests love his playing. Would absolutely hire again!
Hired as: Accordion Player
Matt Tolentino
Hi, Stefan! Thanks a million for the kind words, I sure appreciate it. Keep me in mind for any other events!
Booking information
Price range: $150 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes
What to expect
Music done right. All of my five bands are built on giving our clients just what they want, no matter what. All told we have a repertoire thousands of songs deep, ranging from 1895 to 1965. Every era, style, and genre is done with authenticity and respect, not to mention the overwhelming delight we take in our craft. Our enthusiasm is infectious to all who hear us, be it a theatre audience or a packed dance dance floor. You will love the music of Matt Tolentino.
Whether it's playing the music that made the Twenties roar, beautiful Depression-era ballads, the swinging sounds of the War Years, or soda shop classics of the 1950s and 1960s, you can count on Matt Tolentino to bring you the perfect soundtrack to your special event. No gig is too small, no event is too large. Be it a small living room house concert or a large festival, we're equally at home and ready to work for you.
About
Greetings! You've stumbled upon perhaps one of the most versatile groups anywhere. Intrigued? Step inside and let’s see! I myself play clarinet, saxophone, piano, accordion, tuba, banjo, guitar, and vibraphone – and I am also the lead vocalist in my ensembles. This gives us the ability to create just about any sound you’re looking for, with bands ranging in size from two to seventeen.
First and foremost is the music of the 1920s – it’s what made the Twenties roar. The Jazz Age. A heady, hedonistic time unlike anything in America’s history. Flappers, Prohibition, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Babe Ruth. The Model T, bathtub gin, and bobbed hair. This fast-paced time needed music to go along with it, and that music was jazz... hot jazz. The perfect complement to a cool gin martini. In addition to the music of the Jazz Age we can also provide swing and big band music of the 1930s and 1940s, as well as ragtime, the sounds of New Orleans, and the great treasures of Tin Pan Alley.
Based in Cincinnati, Ohio with a satellite bands in Dallas, TX, my bands are leading sources nationally recognized for an undying attention to detail and authenticity. My orchestras range from ten to seventeen-piece bring over 500 songs to every gig using original arrangements of the period. The ultimate 1920s sound - unparalleled in power and presentation, not a pallid phantom of its former glory.
Need something smaller? While the full orchestra is indeed a treat for the ear and the eye, I'm proud to offer smaller combinations that readily are available to suit any budget. The Matt Tolentino Band is 4 to 7 members and performs the music of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s with the same gusto as the larger bands, but on a smaller scale, and we don't skimp on authenticity. These groups have worked coast to coast - why not bring them to your special event?
And when Oktoberfest time rolls around, I've got the perfect soundtrack. My polka bands have played Oktoberfests events as wide and varied as New York, New Orleans, and Las Vegas. Check out some of those videos while you're here, and let us bring some Gemütlichkeit to your event.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, just think how much a video is worth! I invite you to check out my website if you'd like to hear all of this in action. I've also got videos, audio clips, fun photos, and merch for sale.
So let us come and entertain YOU! No matter what you're looking for, we've got a lot of experience performing everything from small private parties to large outdoor festivals and events, corporate functions, weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, Gatsby and Prohibition parties, Oktoberfests, and everything in between. We look forward to working with you soon!
Additional booking notes
I can provide sound equipment for any function, but any special stage lighting needs are best left to a professional lighting company. My bands are available from solo musician to 17 pieces, and we always have appropriate stage plots to cover any questions you may have regarding sound and layout. A stage is always a bonus, but not a requirement.
Services offered
Upcoming booked events
May 2027
08
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
7:30pm - 7:45pm
•
Anderson, IN
August 2026
15
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Hamilton, OH
October 2026
01
Thursday
Retirement Community Event
12:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Columbus, OH
03
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Danville, IN
Past booked events
May 2026
23
Saturday
Wedding Reception
5:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Indianapolis, IN
22
Friday
Retirement Community Event
1:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Columbus, OH
October 2025
11
Saturday
Festival
1:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Columbus, OH
04
Saturday
Festival
11:00am - 1:00pm
•
Eaton, OH
August 2025
19
Tuesday
House Party
2:00pm - 2:45pm
•
Mount Vernon, OH
May 2025
08
Thursday
Holiday Party
5:30pm - 6:30pm
•
Dayton, OH
September 2024
26
Thursday
Retirement Community Event
12:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Columbus, OH
July 2024
27
Saturday
Wedding Reception
4:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Lima, OH
March 2024
02
Saturday
Birthday Party
12:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Mason, OH
September 2023
30
Saturday
Personal Occasion
2:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Dallas, TX
26
Tuesday
Retirement Community Event
12:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Columbus, OH
October 2022
25
Tuesday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Wilmington, OH
21
Friday
House Party
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Irving, TX
07
Friday
Fundraiser
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Crestview Hills, KY
May 2022
15
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
5:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Avon, IN
April 2022
21
Thursday
Retirement Community Event
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
Dayton, OH
March 2022
26
Saturday
Fundraiser
5:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Mineral Wells, TX
13
Sunday
Holiday Party
10:00am - 12:00pm
•
The Colony, TX
February 2022
11
Friday
Holiday Party
11:30am - 1:00pm
•
Newark, OH
September 2021
18
Saturday
Launch Party
7:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Plain City, OH
15
Wednesday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Fort Worth, TX
July 2021
03
Saturday
Festival
10:00am - 12:00pm
•
Denton, TX
June 2021
04
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
5:00pm - 5:30pm
•
Plano, TX
September 2020
06
Sunday
Personal Occasion
5:00pm - 5:30pm
•
Clay City, KY
05
Saturday
House Party
5:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Cincinnati, OH
February 2020
25
Tuesday
Children's Birthday Party
4:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Versailles, KY
May 2018
08
Tuesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
10:30am - 11:00am
•
Dallas, TX
April 2018
03
Tuesday
Convention/Trade Show
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
St Louis, MO
December 2017
12
Tuesday
Pocket Sandwich Theatre
7:30pm - 10:00pm
05
Tuesday
Private Event
6:00pm - 8:00pm
October 2017
17
Tuesday
Pocket Sandwich Theatre
7:30pm - 10:00pm
14
Saturday
House Party
6:00pm - 9:00pm
05
Thursday
Wedding
7:00pm - 10:00pm
September 2017
23
Saturday
Fundraiser Gala
7:00pm - 10:00pm
19
Tuesday
Pocket Sandwich Theatre
7:30pm - 10:00pm
July 2017
08
Saturday
Methodist Hospital Private Event
2:00pm - 4:00pm
02
Sunday
Wedding
5:00pm - 8:00pm
June 2017
25
Sunday
Pocket Sandwich Theatre
1:00pm - 3:00pm
17
Saturday
The Heights w/Brave Combo
8:00pm - 11:00pm
16
Friday
The Kessler w/Brave Combo
8:00pm - 11:15pm
10
Saturday
Private Event in Residence
11:00am - 1:00pm
Set list
1920s
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Ain’t She Sweet
Alice Blue Gown
All By Myself
Always
Am I Blue
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
At Sundown
Blue Room
Blue Shadows
Borneo
Brazil
Breezin’ Along With The Breeze
Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man
Carolina In The Morning
China Boy
Confessin’ That I Love You
Coquette
Crazy Rhythm
Crazy Words, Crazy Tune
Dead Man Blues
Deed I Do
Diga Diga Do
Don’t Be Like That
Girl Of My Dreams
Hot Lips
I’m Comin’ Virginia
I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
I Get The Blues When It Rains
I Got Rhythm
I Like Pie
I May Be Wrong
I’ll See You In My Dreams
I’m Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover
It Had To Be You
It Happened In Monterrey
Jalousie
Jig Walk
June Night
Let’s Misbehave
Limehouse Blues
Louise
The Mooche
My Blue Heaven
Nagasaki
Puttin’ On The Ritz
Rain
Russian Lullaby
The Sheik of Araby
Side By Side
Singin’ In The Rain
Singin’ The Blues
Somebody Stole My Gal
Someone To Watch Over Me
Stardust
Summertime
Sunday
Tea For Two
Tonight You Belong To Me
Washboard Wiggles
What’ll I Do?
When You’re Smiling
Whispering
Who
Yes Sir! That’s My Baby
Yes! We Have No Bananas
You Do Something To Me
You Were Meant For Me
You’re The Cream In My Coffee
1930s
All God's Chillun Got Rhythm
All I Do Is Dream Of You
All Of Me
Alone
As Time Goes By
A Beautiful Lady In Blue
Begin The Beguine
Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Beyond The Blue Horizon
Blue Moon
Blue Prelude
Body and Soul
Boo-Hoo
Brother Can You Spare A Dime?
Carioca
Cheek To Cheek
Crazy ‘Bout My Baby
Did You Ever See A Dream Walking?
Don’t Be That Way
Dream A Little Dream Of Me
East Of The Sun
Egyptian Ella
Falling In Love Again
Forty Second Street
Georgia On My Mind
Ghost of a Chance
Guilty
Happy Days Are Here Again
Hiawatha’s Lullaby
Home
Honeysuckle Rose
How About You?
Hush, Hush, Hush, Here Comes The Bogeyman
I’m In The Mood For Love
I Can’t Get Started With You
I Found A Million Dollar Baby
I’ll String Along With You
In A Shanty In Old Shanty Town
Isn’t This A Lovely Day
I Surrender Dear
It’s All Forgotten Now
It Don’t Mean A Thing
I’ve Got The World On A String
I’ve Told Ev’ry Little Star
Just You, Just Me
Keepin’ Out Of Mischief Now
Lazy River
Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off
Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries
Livin’ In The Sunlight
Love Letters In The Sand
Love Me Or Leave Me
Midnight, The Stars, and You
Minnie The Moocher
Minor Swing
My Baby Just Cares For Me
Nevertheless
Night and Day
One Hour With You
On The Sunny Side of the Street
Our Love Is Here To Stay
Out Of Nowhere
Over The Rainbow
Paper Moon
Pennies From Heaven
Por Un Cabeza
St. James Infirmary
San Antonio Rose
Sentimental Journey
September In The Rain
Sin To Tell A Lie
Sleepy Time Down South
Smile
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
Stompin' At The Savoy
Stormy Weather
Sweet and Lovely
Sweet Madness
These Foolish Things
They Say
Three Little Words
Time On My Hands
Under A Blanket Of Blue
The Very Thought Of You
The Waltz You Saved For Me
The Way You Look Tonight
What A Diff’rence A Day Made
When Your Lover Has Gone
Whistling In The Dark
You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me
Young And Healthy
1940s
Cocktails For Two
Green Eyes
I Wish You Love
I’ll Be Seeing You
In The Mood
La Vie En Rose
Moonglow
Polka Dots And Moonbeams
Tuxedo Junction
1950s, 1960s
All I Have To Do Is Dream
Almost Like Being In Love
Autumn Leaves
Beyond The Sea
Blue Bayou
Blueberry Hill
Cab Driver
Calcutta
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You
Come Go With Me
Come Fly With Me
Come Softly
Crazy
Don’t Be Cruel
Everyday
Folsom Prison Blues
Garden Party
Hello, Mary Lou
In My Life
King Of The Road
La Bamba
Let It Be Me
L-O-V-E
Mack The Knife
More
Mr. Blue
My Prayer
Once In A While
Ophelia
Orange Colored Sky
Ring Of Fire
Route 66
Sixteen Candles
Sway
Teenage Idol
Tennessee Waltz
That’s Amore
Til Then
Under The Boardwalk
Unforgettable
Walkin’ After Midnight
The Weight
When I’m Sixty Four
Who's Sorry Now
Yellow Submarine
Ragtime
After The Ball
After You've Gone
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Bethena
Bo-La-Bo
Chinatown, My Chinatown
Creole Belles
Cubanola Glide
Cum Bac
Dill Pickles
El Relicario
The Entertainer
Hindustan
I’ll See You In C-U-B-A
In Madagascar Land
The International Rag
It’s A Long Way To Tipperary
Kentucky Days
King Cotton
Life’s A Funny Proposition
Me-Ow
Oh! You Beautiful Doll
Palesteena
Pineapple Rag
Poppy Time In Old Japan
Red Wing
Shine On Harvest Moon
Smiles
Stay Down Here Where You Belong
Teddy Bears Picnic
They Didn’t Believe Me
Tiger Rag
Till We Meet Again
Tres Moutarde
Waltz Me Around Again, Willie
Polkas/Oktoberfest
Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie
Barbara Polka
Beer Barrel Polka
Blue Skirt Waltz
Champagne Polka
Clarinet Polka
Ein Prosit
Helena Polka
In Heaven There Is No Beer
In München Steht
Julida Polka
Just Another Polka
Just Because
Liechtensteiner Polka
Pennsylvania Polka
Under The Double Eagle
Influences and inspiration
Vince Giordano, The California Ramblers, Paul Whiteman, Irving Kaufman, The New Leviathan Oriental Fox Trot Orchestra, Adrian Rollini, Bix Beiderbecke, Red Nichols, Joe Tarto, Ruth Etting, Al Bowlly, Scott Joplin, Irving Berlin, Myron Floren, Lawrence Welk, Frankie Yankovic, Whoopee John, Alex Meixner, Ricky Nelson, The Band, Johnny Cash, The Platters, The Fleetwoods, The Beatles, Patsy Cline, Fats Domino, Benny Goodman, Jean Goldkette, Django, Ian Whitcomb
Setup requirements
Access to two electrical outlets.
The band does not carry insurance - but we are happy to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement