Tony Gambaro

Tony Gambaro is a veteran Capital Region trumpeter, bandleader, educator, and local icon best known as the co-official bugler (with his son Carson) at Saratoga Race Course since 2022—the first father-son duo in that historic role. A Gloversville, NY native now based in the Saratoga Lake/Saratoga Springs area, he has more than 50 years of professional experience on trumpet, blending high-energy party/funk/R&B gigs, national and international tours, drum & bugle corps roots, and community traditions. Early Career and Foundations (1970s–1990s) Gambaro started playing trumpet as a youngster in the Avant Garde Drum & Bugle Corps (he was later inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2022). In a 2011 interview, he noted he had been marching and playing in drum corps for 37 years at that point—placing his start around 1974. Maynard Ferguson was his primary inspiration; he aimed to emulate the legendary high-note trumpeter. He has always emphasized disciplined practice, still logging about three hours a day. This corps background led to early opportunities, including performances at two U.S. Presidential Inaugurations. He toured and performed extensively across the continental United States and internationally in places like Finland, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the Cayman Islands. Notable Tours and Collaborations Gambaro built a reputation through high-profile gigs in the 1990s and beyond: Bon Jovi – 1995 East Coast Tour Tower of Power – 1995 West Coast Tour Ben E. King – 1996 Tour Other artists: Bobby Vinton and various acts Locally and regionally, he was a key member of Capital District favorites including: Blues Other Brothers (his personal favorite for fun) Burners UK Out of Control R&B Band (inducted into the New York State Blues Hall of Fame around 2013) New York Players Alex Torres & The Latin Kings Others like the New York Power Authority band He has also taught private trumpet lessons and maintained side ventures in real estate sales and boat detailing. Ten Most Wanted: The Powerhouse Party Band (2019–Present) In 2019, Gambaro launched Ten Most Wanted, a high-energy 10-piece party/wedding/corporate band based in Saratoga Springs. He serves as leader, trumpet player, and vocalist. The group draws members from top regional acts and specializes in dynamic live performances for events, clubs, festivals, and private functions across the Capital Region. It quickly became one of the area’s most in-demand bands, known for its powerhouse sound and crowd engagement—perfectly aligning with the busy summer racing season at Saratoga. He maintains a ReverbNation profile (under Tony Gambaro, Saratoga Springs, NY) featuring original tracks and past recordings in R&B/Soul, Rock, Blues, and Funk genres. Saratoga Race Course Bugler Role (2022–Present) In 2022, longtime bugler Sam “The Bugler” Grossman stepped down for health reasons and personally recommended his friend Gambaro. Tony accepted only on the condition that his son Carson (then a recent Syracuse University Newhouse School broadcasting graduate and fellow trumpeter) join him—creating the track’s first father-son bugler duo. They alternate and often perform together, wearing the iconic red vests, white pants, top hats, and patriotic ties while delivering the traditional 34-note “Call to the Post” before every race. They’ve added flair with short, humorous musical snippets (e.g., “Jeopardy!” theme or “Sweet Home Alabama” for specific stakes races) between calls, making the role more interactive and popular than ever. Highlights include performing at multiple Travers Stakes and Belmont Stakes (relocated to Saratoga). Now in their fourth season (as of 2025), the duo has become a fan favorite, often posing for photos and enhancing the Saratoga experience. Carson also helps with Tony’s boat detailing business and performs in Ten Most Wanted. timesunion.comnews10.comtimesunion.comdailygazette.com Legacy and Personal Notes Gambaro’s career is defined by versatility—from drum corps precision and national tours to leading a local party band and preserving Saratoga’s racing tradition. He balances music with family (wife and son Carson), business, and teaching, while staying deeply rooted in the Capital Region. Fans can catch him (and The Ten) at area events or hear the Gambaros’ bugle calls at the track each summer. If you’re interested in booking, lessons, or specific recordings, his band’s site (tenmostwantedband.com) or ReverbNation profile are good starting points. His story is a great example of long-term local musicianship turning into community legacy.

Saratoga Springs, NY