Take a trip to mid-1930's Kansas City as we hark back to the origins of bluesy, toe-tappin' midwestern swing with the music of Count Basie, Jay McShann, Tadd Dameron and Harlan Leonard & His Rockets!
Comprised of musicians that hail from all across the region (representing Tri-C, Cleveland State University, Youngstown State University, Slippery Rock University, Duquesne University, Ohio State University, and the University of Cincinnati), the esteemed East-Central Jazz Educators All-Star Big Band will make their roarin’ return to BLU with the signature sounds of Kansas City swing!
Transcribed and orchestrated for the ECJE All-Star Big Band by co-director & lead alto saxophonist, Dr. Kent Englehart, the program will showcase the music of Count Basie’s Small Band, featuring arrangements by Buck Clayton (1937-1943), Jay McShann Big Band with Charlie Parker (1937-1942) and Tadd Dameron’s (1932-1940) compositions & arrangements penned for Kansas City’s Harlan Leonard & His Rockets.
Join us for this very special evening at BLU Jazz+, preceded by a delicious Kansas City BBQ dinner upstairs at BLU Plate at 6PM (click here for Dinner & Show menu!)