CLC jazz ensembles take audiences back to a simpler time with beloved big band hits in this year’s closing jazz concert. The jazz ensemble will perform 7:30 p.m. May 1 at CLC’s Mainstage Theatre.
“We will be performing a tribute to the big bands of Buddy Rich (‘Chicago’), Glenn Miller (‘In the Mood’), Stan Kenton (‘Dynaflow’), Les Brown (‘Leap Frog’) and Count Basie (‘April in Paris’),” Professor of music and director of instrumental activities Dr. Michael Flack said.
The Tuesday Night Jazz Ensemble, which is directed by Dave Hibbard, will play six tunes that include “Begin the Beguine” by Cole Porter, “A Cool Shade of Blue” by Henry Mancini and “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Louis Prima.
The Monday Night Jazz Ensemble, directed by Michael Flack, will perform seven big-band hits made famous by the orchestras of Les Brown and Woody Herman Other songs to be performed include “Woodchoopers’ Ball” by Woody Herman and Joe Bishop and “Be Bop Charlie” by Bob Florence.
“The Monday Night Jazz ensemble has 18 musicians in it. Musicians must be placed into the group by passing a performance audition,” Flack said. “The Tuesday Night Jazz Ensemble has 25 musicians in it and is open to any student or community member.”
The ensembles are made up of a range of different members with unique musical talents. It includes members from the local community and CLC students, and some of the instruments that will be a part of the show are saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, bass and drums. The directors were in charge of choosing the music for the program.
“Dave Hibbard picks the songs for the Tuesday Night Jazz Ensemble, and I pick the songs for the Monday Night Jazz Ensemble,” Flack said.
The show will run approximately one and a half hours, and children are welcome to attend.
Jen Weddle is a freelance writer.
Spring Jazz Concert
When: 7:30 p.m. May 1
Where: College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Mainstage Theatre, Grayslake
Tickets: $5-$6, Children under 18 are free
Information: jlcenter.clcillinois.edu/events.asp?catid=2
