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Jazz Ambassadors bringing big sound to BPAC

The Jazz Ambassadors will perform a free concert at the Bologna Performing Arts Center Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

The internationally acclaimed Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, D.C. continue their long tradition of presenting free public performances with a unique appearance at the Bologna Performing Arts Center on the campus of Delta State Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Just two days after Veterans Day, Delta State is honored to host the official touring big band of the United States Army.

The concert is presented by the BPAC and the Delta State Department of Music, and is sponsored by the Bolivar Commercial, the Cleveland Current and WABG.

“This is going to be a great family-friendly show,” said Laura Howell, BPAC executive director. “We are always pleased to offer free performances to the community, and we’re especially grateful to the Jazz Ambassadors for all the community outreach they’ll provide while in Cleveland.”

Dr. Shelley Collins, associate professor of music, is also thrilled to be bringing the talented and patriotic band.

“It’s always a special treat to have a U.S. Military band visit your town the week of Veterans Day,” said Collins. “It’s a terrific way to celebrate our veterans. These musicians travel the world playing America’s music to a wide variety of audiences, so it is extra special to have them visit the Mississippi Delta this time of the year.”

Collins added that the show would be a great lead-in to the upcoming Homecoming festivities beginning the next day.

“There is no better way to celebrate Delta State University than to welcome all alums and current students to the show, especially if they are in town to celebrate Homecoming at Delta State,” she said. “We hope to see a great mixture of Delta State alums from the ’40s, all the way to current members of the class of 2018 at the show. It’s a great way for generations of Delta State supporters to come together in a remarkable venue and help celebrate what makes Delta State truly a family.”

Formed in 1969, this 19-member ensemble has received great acclaim at home and abroad performing America’s greatest original art form — jazz.

Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are programmed to entertain all types of audiences. The band’s diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, vocals and patriotic selections, many of which are written or arranged by members of the Jazz Ambassadors.

The group has appeared in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and throughout Europe.

While at Delta State, the Jazz Ambassadors will provide master classes available to both university and high school students. Additionally, the band has allowed three Delta State students to take part in the main stage performance.

Local Boy Scout Troop #23 will present the color guard for the show.

Recent notable performances include concerts at the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Jazz Education Network Conference and an appearance on the Colbert Report.

Gordon Goodwin, Bobby Shew, Ernie Watts and the Dave Brubeck All-Star Quintet are just a few of the outstanding jazz artists who have shared the stage with the Jazz Ambassadors.

The band has been featured in joint concerts with Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony Pops, the Colorado Pops Orchestra and the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. Their rigorous touring schedule and reputation for excellence has earned them the title “America’s Big Band.”

For additional information on the Jazz Ambassadors’ performance at Delta State, contact the BPAC at 662-846-4626. This event is free and open to the public.

 

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