The Bismarck State College Music program presents its Jazz Ensemble with special guest Big Al's Big Band in concert Friday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium.
John Darling directs the Jazz Ensemble in an eight-piece set of tunes by Benny Carter, Fats Waller, Chick Corea, George Gershwin and others. Featured vocalists are Alexandra Kottre and Stephen Gefroh, and pianist Nicholas Hornbacher in "Cross Currents" by Ellen Rowe.
The BSC Saxophone Ensemble lets loose in "La Fiesta" in a composition and arrangement by Corea and Paul Liversage.
Big Al's Big Band takes over the second half with a sampling of music from the swing era. Vocalists Rebecca Warren and Dennis "Louie" Huber are featured on such songs as "Miss Otis Regrets" and "What a Wonderful World." The bands combine for a finale of Benny Goodman/Lionel Hampton's "Flying Home" and the Herbie Hancock standard, "Chameleon."
A reception follows the concert. The public is welcome at no charge during ArtsQuest, BSC's month-long celebration of the arts.
About Big Al's Big Band
Big Al's Big Band is an 18-piece group originally known as the BSC Tuesday Night Jazz Ensemble founded in 1982 by Erv Ely, longtime BSC director of bands. After Ely retired in 1996, Al Bertsch took over the band. Original members still playing are current director Rex Waddingham , Mark Learn, saxophone, and Steve Vogelpohl, trombone.
About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.
John Darling directs the Jazz Ensemble in an eight-piece set of tunes by Benny Carter, Fats Waller, Chick Corea, George Gershwin and others. Featured vocalists are Alexandra Kottre and Stephen Gefroh, and pianist Nicholas Hornbacher in "Cross Currents" by Ellen Rowe.
The BSC Saxophone Ensemble lets loose in "La Fiesta" in a composition and arrangement by Corea and Paul Liversage.
Big Al's Big Band takes over the second half with a sampling of music from the swing era. Vocalists Rebecca Warren and Dennis "Louie" Huber are featured on such songs as "Miss Otis Regrets" and "What a Wonderful World." The bands combine for a finale of Benny Goodman/Lionel Hampton's "Flying Home" and the Herbie Hancock standard, "Chameleon."
A reception follows the concert. The public is welcome at no charge during ArtsQuest, BSC's month-long celebration of the arts.
About Big Al's Big Band
Big Al's Big Band is an 18-piece group originally known as the BSC Tuesday Night Jazz Ensemble founded in 1982 by Erv Ely, longtime BSC director of bands. After Ely retired in 1996, Al Bertsch took over the band. Original members still playing are current director Rex Waddingham , Mark Learn, saxophone, and Steve Vogelpohl, trombone.
About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.