DEL DAKO (saxophonist, vibraphonist, composer, producer, teacher) was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada where, for more than three decades, he has enjoyed a thriving career as a musician and educator. He amassed impressive playing credentials as a jazz saxophonist, accomplished on both baritone and alto saxes, before a serious accident in the fall of 2001 rendered him unable to play the saxophone. He dedicated himself to mastering the vibraphone, and in the years since, his career has returned to full swing playing that instrument. As a jazz saxophonist, Dako won numerous awards and honours, and played with jazz greats including Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson, Big Nick Nicholas, Nick Brignola, Slim Gailliard, and was a member of Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band. He played in everything from small groups to big bands, and frequently in solo or duet settings. He completed two coast-to-coast tours in Canada, and has played throughout the United States and Europe in jazz clubs, festivals, corporate events, and private parties.<>/p> All six of Del Dako’s performances during the “Sound of Toronto Jazz” Concert Series were as a saxophonist: as a member of Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band on February 12. 1979; with Shox Johnson and The Toronto Jive Bombers on March 24. 1980; with Reeds and Rhythm on January 12, 1981; as part of the Larry Cramer/Del Dako Quintet on November 21, 1983; leading the Del Dako and Streetbeat band on November 7, 1988; and as a member of the Archie Alleyne Orchestra on October 18, 1999. Del Dako passed away on January 19th, 2013.