The Bismarck State College Jazz Ensemble hosts special guest Big Al's Big Band for an evening of America's music Friday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium.
The 21-piece Jazz Ensemble stomps off with Gerry Mulligan's "Walkin' Shoes." Featured in the eight-piece set are soloists Devin Hopfauf on baritone saxophone in Ellington's "Prelude to a Kiss," and trombonist Luke Hushagen in "Dream of the Return." Dr. John Darling also directs the ensemble in Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm" and tunes that showcase various sections of the ensemble.
Big Al's Big Band takes over the second half of the concert with a sampling of music from the swing era to present. Directed by Rex Waddingham, Big Al's Big Band is a 16-piece group founded in 1982 by Erv Ely, then BSC band director. Saxophonist Al Bertsch took over the band in 1996.
Big Al's plays a five-piece set, including arrangements of "Why Don't You Do Me Right" and "Big Schwing Face." Rebecca Warren adds a vocal to "Georgia on My Mind." The Jazz Ensemble combines with Big Al's Big Band for a finale of "Tricky Sticks" by Gregory Yasinitsky and the Beatles' "Hey Jude" by Lennon and McCartney.
A reception follows the concert. The public is welcome at no charge during ArtsQuest, BSC's month-long celebration of the arts.
The 21-piece Jazz Ensemble stomps off with Gerry Mulligan's "Walkin' Shoes." Featured in the eight-piece set are soloists Devin Hopfauf on baritone saxophone in Ellington's "Prelude to a Kiss," and trombonist Luke Hushagen in "Dream of the Return." Dr. John Darling also directs the ensemble in Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm" and tunes that showcase various sections of the ensemble.
Big Al's Big Band takes over the second half of the concert with a sampling of music from the swing era to present. Directed by Rex Waddingham, Big Al's Big Band is a 16-piece group founded in 1982 by Erv Ely, then BSC band director. Saxophonist Al Bertsch took over the band in 1996.
Big Al's plays a five-piece set, including arrangements of "Why Don't You Do Me Right" and "Big Schwing Face." Rebecca Warren adds a vocal to "Georgia on My Mind." The Jazz Ensemble combines with Big Al's Big Band for a finale of "Tricky Sticks" by Gregory Yasinitsky and the Beatles' "Hey Jude" by Lennon and McCartney.
A reception follows the concert. The public is welcome at no charge during ArtsQuest, BSC's month-long celebration of the arts.