OUR STORY
In 2009, the Sara F. Gassman Foundation was formed in memory of Sara Gassman,
a beloved music teacher, mother, wife, grandmother and friend. Its mission is to help underprivileged students reach their full potential through piano lessons and the power of music-making.
In 2020, Alan Gassman, Hiram Hazley and Desmond Boone formed Universal Show Band, sponsored by the Sara F. Gassman foundation. The band's mission, with a focus on Black musicians, is to provide instrumentalists with the opportunity to be recognized for their efforts, develop musical abilities in the band setting, and gain a valuable support system that will propel them forward in life.
DESMOND BOONE
Director
Desmond Boone is an accomplished musician and band leader whose past accolades include notoriety for choreography, arrangements, and musical leadership. His band Distinguished Men of Brass won high esteem and praise on America's Got Talent in 2012. Past works also include The Mystic Sheiks of Morocco at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, FL, a show band that entertained and put smiles on the faces of millions by playing personalized arrangements of pop music and classics. Desmond can be reached at desmond1952@hotmail.com
Our show band concept is based on the prior musical successes of Desmond Boone, who directed two successful show band groups:
Distinguished Men of Brass
The Mystic Sheiks of Morocco
Under the direction of Mr. Boone, The Mystic Sheiks of Morocco band from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay provided entertainment to millions of theme park-goers and members of the community for 20+ years.
In 2012, Distinguished Men of Brass was formed. The band received many accolades and appeared on America's Got Talent in 2012. Check out the videos below to hear these bands perform and tell their story.
"It was life-changing. You're getting the chance to do something that very few people have ever done...and not many musicians can say that."
