|
Century Jazz Ensemble J to Z Concert, May 18th
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The fifteenth and final concert of the Twin Cities Jazz Society’s “Jazz from J to Z” 2007-08 concert series, presents the Century Jazz Ensemble, on Sunday, May 18. This annual Swing Into Spring event will kick off at 3 pm at the Century College Theatre. Century College is located at 3300 Century Ave. N., White Bear Lake, MN 55110. There will be a reception following the performance and as usual there is no admission charge!
The Century Jazz Ensemble has been around since 1981 and there are still a few original members in the group! The band was created by past director John Zdechlik as an outlet for Twin Cities musicians to continue beyond high school and college in a big band setting. Larry Neumann took over the directing duties in 1997 when Dr. Zdechlik retired. The CJE performs around the upper Midwest and has toured to South America and China. 
CJE concerts always feature a wide variety of big band styles and the May 18 will be no exception! Within the group are several composers who write for the CJE and other Twin Cities big bands. Steve Devich has penned a new latin arrangement on the standard All One and bassist Greg Stinson will be premiering a new ballad featuring lead trumpeter Kurt Christensen entitled Ruya’s Dream. The Buddy Rich book is a favorite of the band and this concert will present two tunes from that collection. The blazing waltz Willowcrest by Bob Florence and the seldom-heard Phil Wilson arrangement of Mr. Lucky put the band through its paces..
Information on the CJE and the concert can be obtained by calling 651-747-4033.
—written by Larry Neumann |
