218 N. Eighth Street | Columbia, MO 65201
Admin: 573-449-3009 | Tickets: 573-449-3001
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Jazz greats coming to Columbia
November 02, 2007
By Kara Krisanic in Mymissourian
Friday, 02 November 2007
The Yellowjackets - Thursday, November 8 @ The Blue Note
The Yellowjackets – one of the world’s foremost purveyors of “electric/cross-over jazz,” which celebrated its 25th Anniversary last year – are set to make their first-ever Columbia appearance when they perform at The Blue Note Thursday, November 8.
The powerhouse quartet stands as the next in the “We Always Swing” Jazz Series’ five “Jazz in the District” concerts. The Yellowjackets remain as fresh-sounding today as they did more then a quarter-century ago. They continue to push the boundaries of jazz with a deceptively intense, distinctive sound whose music incorporates elements of bebop, funk, R&B and rock
Yellowjackets personnel include noteworthy saxophonist and arranger Bob Mintzer, who is now a long-time member, as well as original members keyboardist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip. The group’s so-called “newcomer,” drummer Marcus Baylor, actually joined the band seven years ago.
The group continues to receive critical praise. “With a stronger emphasis on an acoustic sound, and with inventive arrangements that are lyrical yet deceptively challenging, The Yellowjackets are on a roll,” wrote John Kelman of jazzreview.com, praising The Yellowjackets for their style. Meanwhile, All music Guide labeled The Yellowjackets as “the most adventurous quartet in contemporary jazz music.”
Ticket/Jazz series contact information
Yellowjackets tickets can be purchased at ALL Ticketmaster outlets including the Jazz Series Box Office (573-449-3001), Blue Note, Streetside Records and at MU’s Brady Commons Box Office where student-charges are accepted to all Jazz Series Events. Tickets can also be purchased on line at HYPERLINK “http://www.ticketmaster.com” www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 866-646-8849. Ticket prices run from $16-$30, with a selection of reserved, general admission standing room and student discount tickets remain available. For additional information on this and all upcoming Jazz Series concerts and events please visit the Jazz Series website, or e-mail the organization at info@wealwaysswing.org .
The Yellowjackets
“We’re very excited about hosting The Yellowjackets,” said Jazz Series Assistant Director Greg Aker, who has seen he group on a number of occasions previously. “Anybody who has seen this energetic band knows what kind of quality and varied show they put on,” adding, The Blue Note is the perfect venue for this event.” Said Aker in conclusion, the Jazz Series is always pleased to offer the community something different; this is The ‘Jackets first visit here.” Aker also noted that judging by the level of interest in the band the show should come close to selling out. “The Blue Note is still, by Yellowjackets standards, a relatively small venue. We hope everyone takes advantage of this opportunity.”
About the “We Always Swing” Jazz Series.
Founded in 1995 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in 1999, the “We Always Swing” Jazz Series receives federal support through the National Endowment for the Arts; state funding through Missouri Arts Council, a state agency; and locally via the City of Columbia’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Additional support is provided by area businesses and corporations as well as through a variety of departments, colleges and schools at the University of Missouri. In addition to ticket revenue, additional support comes from individuals’ generous tax-deductible contributions.
12-23 1:58
12-17 2:12
Jazz Series Launches Annual Fund as dollar-for-dollar match for major NEA Jazz Masters Live
This is a special year for us. As recipients of a major grant from the National Endowment for the Arts – the Jazz Masters Live Initiative we are required to match the award dollar for dollar. The goal: $30,000 – and we need do reach it by February 18, 2008 – the day commissioned composer and Kansas City native Bob Brookmeyer returns to Missouri to conduct the world premier of his new work performed by the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, at the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts. This season your tax-deductible donation to the Jazz Series goes twice as far.
Make a tax-deductible pledge (PDF) do the Jazz Series and we will apply it toward matching the NEA grant special NEA grant – one of only 12 in the country that allowed us to commission new work, and present one of the best big bands in the world at the Missouri Theatre. As a way of saying “Thank You” we’re pleased do offer tickets to this one-of-a-kind event—and a the most recent CD from the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra CD – which is a part of University of Missouri’s Arts & Science Week.
Jazz Series Receives NEA Grant
“We Always Swing” Jazz Series snags prestigious NEA Jazz Masters Live grants…
Organization, one of only 12 presenters in the United States selected to receive $30,000 award paves the way for Missouri native and NEA Jazz Master Bob Brookmeyer to compose new work for the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. New York-based, 16-piece orchestra arrives in Columbia to perform world premiere February 18, 2009, at the Missouri Theatre with Brookmeyer as guest conductor. Also on hand: Dan Morgenstern, fellow NEA Jazz Master and Director of Rutgers Jazz Institute. The world renowned historian will serve as guest emcee and host a pair of forums: a one-on-one interview with Brookmeyer and an in-depth look into the chronology of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, which has been holding court at jazz’s most famous basement – The Village Vanguard – since 1965. Much-anticipated events serve as centerpiece for MU’s Arts & Science Week.
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