Stanley Newcomb “Stan” Kenton (December 15, 1911 – August 25, 1979) was a pianist, composer, and arranger who led an innovative, influential, and often controversial American jazz orchestra. In later years he was active as an educator. Kenton was a salient figure on the American musical scene and made an indelible mark on the arranged type of big band jazz. Kenton’s music evolved with the times throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and although he was no longer considered a contemporary innovator, he promoted jazz and jazz improvisation through his service as an educator. The “Kenton Style” continues to permeate big bands at the high school and collegiate level, and the framework he designed for the “jazz clinic” is still widely in use today.
As a tribute to what would be Stan’s 100th birthday, Ray Eubanks (8 years retired band leader of the Jazz Arts Group – now known as the Columbus Jazz Orchestra) will be co-leading Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra in playing a whole evening of Mr. Kenton’s well known and wildly applauded arrangements.
Eubanks gives credit to the first Stan Kenton Concert he put on way back when the Jazz Arts Group was performing at the Battelle Center of putting his band “on the map.” “People finally came by the droves – we sold out a double house,” Ray explains, “Then, they came back for all our other concerts.” The next year they sold out three nights for the Kenton Concert and the next year five nights. “Yes, no doubt the Kenton Concerts made the CJO the raging success it is today,” Eubanks concluded.
With Ray Eubanks as co-pilot the Famous Jazz Orchestra will be playing popular Kenton arrangements like “Opus in Chartreuse,” “Jump for Joe,” “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” “Cherokee,” “The Thrill is Gone,” “September Song,” and many others that will keep you bobbin’ all night long. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime treat.
Clintonville Woman’s Club
3951 North High Street
Columbus, OH
(Food available – BYOB)
Monday, December 17th, 2012 – 7:30 pm
General Admission: $20 adults, and $15 students (checks only)
Make checks payable to and mail to Stan Kenton Tickets, PO Box 192, Westerville, OH 43086
(Include a self-addressed envelope)
Guest Conductor: Ray Eubanks
Featured Guests
John Von Ohlen, Drums
Michael Cox, Saxophone
Kristen Eubanks, Vocals
Wes Orr, Trumpet