All kinds of Jazz at the NPAC

Perhaps I should have titled this “and all that Jazz!” after the hit song from the musical Chicago.  But, what I wanted to communicate to you is that there are all kinds of music and they all loosely get categorized under “Jazz.”  The music idiom of Jazz has been attached to so many styles that it is almost confusing.  It is certainly confusing to someone trying to determine whether they actually like it or not.

Early Jazz originated from the Blues and Spirituals created by African slaves in the 1800s.  Since then, it has taken the form of Ragtime, Blues, Gospel, Big Band, Be-Bop, Swing, and even what we now call Smooth Jazz; and probably many other forms between.

In the next two weeks, we have two types of Jazz coming to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert.  This Saturday night, February 21, will feature a group called Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.  Some might call them a Jazz Band, and certainly they have elements of Jazz in their music.  More accurately however, they would be defined as a Swing Band.  They will have a hard-hitting rhythmic feel to the music created by horns, drums and vocals.  This is not exactly the Benny Goodman Swing some may be thinking of, although it will certainly be toe tapping and a dancing in the aisles feel much like young people enjoyed in the 1940s to Goodman’s music.

I was told that the people of the Greenville, Tennessee, Niswonger Performing Arts Center enjoyed Big Bad Voodoo Daddy more than almost any show they have ever had.  It will certainly be a fun and lively night.  Tickets remain for this 7:30 p.m. concert.  If you are looking for a fun evening, this is one you won’t want to miss!  I have to tell you that when I mentioned this concert from the stage this past Sunday before “Anything Goes,” the musicians in the pit were giving me high five gestures. They are all Big Bad fans!

Then on Tuesday, March 3, the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors come to town to present a free concert at the Niswonger.  Of course, the price can’t be beaten!  What I will also guarantee is that the enjoyment also may not be beaten.  We have had the privilege of presenting the U.S. Army Field Band’s Concert Band and Soldier’s Chorus, as well as the Navy Sea Chanters and the Wright Patterson Air Force Band of Flight.  They have all presented exceptional shows — as a matter of fact, some of my all-time favorites.

The Jazz Ambassadors will perform a diverse program of Jazz tunes. Those who enjoy Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman will certainly be pleased, but so will others looking for their fill of more current songs and, of course, patriotic songs done in a Jazz style, but still poignantly patriotic!  I have heard a number of their arrangements and they are exceptional, especially the patriotic tunes.  They will have vocals along with their Big Band sounds.

Free tickets have been distributed at the Times-Bulletin Media office on Fox Road as well as the Niswonger box office.  After a deluge of ticket distribution following “Anything Goes,” we are just about out.  If you don’t yet have a ticket, get yours immediately before they are all gone.  We thank the Times-Bulletin Media for helping sponsor this free concert.

Memphis, the musical, is coming to town on March 28-29. It is an exceptional Broadway musical that will have other elements of Jazz in it, along with the Blues and early Rock ‘n’ Roll.  We finish the season on April 25 with The Temptations and some might call it a type of Jazz, although they are more commonly referred to as an R&B (rhythm and blues) group. They’ve been sold out for over a month!

All kinds of Jazz at the Niswonger. Make your choice and see what you like the most.  You may like them all!

FINÉ.