Thu 5/12 @ 7PM
Lovers of big-band jazz will be in heaven at the BOP Stop in Thursday when two northeast Ohio bands take the stage for a “Big Band Bash.”
Polar Vortex is one of those “just for fun” groups, a volunteer, all-ages community ensemble that admits anyone able to play at least at the high school level. It offers plays who aren’t at a professional level to hone their chops on a variety of styles including swing, Latin, funk and the Great American Songbook, which makes up most of its repertoire. It’s directed by freelance musician/educator Mark Russo and the appearance of guest artists such as Chris Burge, Scott Marsh and Joe Hunter gives thse amateur musicians even more inspiration to improve their chops.
Also performing is the 21-piece Gabriel’s Horns, a “jazz-praise” band in which amateurs and professionals, college students, educators and talented youth play side by side, led by James T. May Jr. This ensemble, whose repertoire includes hymns, jazz, classical music, blues, jazz/praise, marches, wind ensemble music and classic big band charts, has done performances at Severance Hall’s MLK Celebration Concert, Ingenuity Festival, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and many others, as well as churches, senior facilities and community festivals. It’s also collaborated with the cream of local musicians, artists such as Evelyn Wright, Bobby Selvaggio, Kelly Chapman, Maria Jacobs, Eddie Baccus Jr. and Eddie Baccus Sr., Cecil Rucker, Bill Ransom and many more.
All this music can be heard in person for only $15, or you can listen to the livestream at the BOP STOP’s Facebook page for free (You can donate to the bands here.)
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