In 1971, he returned to western Pennsylvania after being discharged from the Navy. He has since been involved in many different musical situations. He performed as a regular with the popular Buddy Lee Big Band since 1974 and has been featured as a soloist with that band on many occasions. He also performs on a regular basis with the Butler County Symphony Orchestra and the Musicians’ Concert Band. He has backed up many popular artists including Carol Lawrence, Frankie Avalon, Vic Damone, The Lettermen, The Four Seasons, and more. He has also performed with the Jimmy Dorsey Band, the Tommy Dorsey Band, Buddy Morrow, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, Ice Capades, and The TMG Big Band
Mr. Cunningham leads his own professional brass group as well as a big band and has appeared with these groups at various events. He has recorded with the Buddy Lee Orchestra and The TMG Big Band.
In addition to his performing career, he is a fundraising consultant for the nationally known firm of Gronlund Sayther and Brunkow. He is also a private pilot and amateur radio operator.