The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) is getting ready to blow the roof off the joint for the next seasons of the Great American Songbook and Swingin’ at the Southern series. Under the direction of world-renowned band leader and trumpet virtuoso Byron Stripling, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra will travel from Broadway to New Orleans; celebrate Count Basie and Henry Mancini; and pay tribute to the guitar and the Apollo Theater.
GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK SERIES:
* From Johnny B. Goode to Jimi Hendrix, Guitar Summit (September 24-25, 2010) will explore the impact of the guitar on American music and culture featuring guests Vernon Reid (Living Colour); Dan Faehnle (Pink Martini, Diana Krall); and Sheryl Bailey. These shows are both for the layman and the enthusiast and will include a post-concert talk with Byron and guests covering everything guitar. A workshop at the Jazz Academy will also accompany this performance.
* Grammy award-winning film composer Dave Grusin joins the CJO in A Night at the Movies: Featuring the Music of Henry Mancini (January 14-15, 2011). From Mancini favorites “The Pink Panther Theme” and “Baby Elephant Walk” to movie classics like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “As Time Goes By,” we’ll revisit some of the most memorable movie music ever written.
* You’ll have a chance to stand up and be counted as we play your favorite song on our CJO By Request show (May 20-21, 2011). Byron will be taking your requests throughout the year as you decide what the orchestra plays to cap off the season.
SWINGIN’ AT THE SOUTHERN SERIES:
* The good times roll as Allen Toussaint joins the CJO in New Orleans on Parade (October 27-31, 2010). Join in the festivities as the party transforms into an unforgettable Mardi Gras celebration with the Southern Knight himself!
* Back by popular demand, Count Basie vocalist Carmen Bradford returns for the most wonderful time of the year in Home for the Holidays (December 1-5, 2010). Bradford joins Byron for a sleigh ride of holiday favorites done CJO-style.
* The classic hits of the Great White Way come to life in Broadway: From Oklahoma! to West Side Story (February 16-20, 2011) featuring Bill Charlap, son of Broadway composer Moose Charlap and the pianist behind Tony Bennett, Gerry Mulligan, Benny Carter, and countless other jazz masters.
* Jazz royalty takes center stage as the CJO celebrates Count Basie, Buddy Rich, and the “King of Swing,” Benny Goodman in Basie, Buddy & Benny (March 16-20, 2011) featuring Butch Miles (drums) and Ken Peplowski (clarinet). A workshop at the Jazz Academy will also accompany this performance.
* A Night at the Apollo (April 13-17, 2011) closes out the Swingin’ series, paying tribute to the soul of American culture, the Apollo Theater, and the music greats whose careers were launched by this legendary finishing school. Vocalist and actress Marva Hicks joins the CJO to blow the roof off the joint!
“Be it bebop and blues, rock ‘n’ roll or soul, at every performance these outstanding musicians are dedicated to lifting you a little higher,” shares Stripling. “It is in that spirit that we guarantee every performance will ignite the fire within you and leave you breathless!”
Season subscriptions are now available through the CAPA Ticket Office at 39 East State Street or by calling 614-469-0939. Single tickets will go on sale August 30 for $49 (main floor), $46 (first balcony) and $41 (second balcony). Call 614-294-5200 or visit www.jazzartsgroup.org for more information on individual shows and subscriptions.
The Great American Songbook and Swingin’ at the Southern music series are presented by the Jazz Arts Group with ongoing support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Ohio Arts Council, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, and The Columbus Foundation. Additional support for the Columbus Jazz Orchestra is provided by Chase Bank, Nationwide Insurance, Grange Insurance, the State Auto Group, Bob Evans Farms, Abercrombie & Fitch, Plante Moran, Limited Brands, The Reinberger Foundation, US Bank, PNC Bank, and The Westin Columbus.