The Jazz Arts Group’s 1981-1982 concert series “Big Band 80’s” began with an opening concert celebrating the music of Duke Ellington, featuring Sir Roland Hanna and Mary McClendon. Bill Waltrous, Zoot Sims, and Louie Bellson also appeared with JAG. Marvin Stamm and Michele Horsefield concluded the season with JAG’s Second Annual Salute to Kenton.

 

A SALUTE TO DUKE ELLINGTON

Featuring Sir Roland Hanna and Mary McClendon

Big Band 80’s Series
November 1, 1981 | Battelle Auditorium

It don’t mean a thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing! Swing it did when JAG saluted the music of America’s most prolific composer, Duke Ellington. From “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “Mood Indigo” to “Satin Doll,” pianist Roland Hanna led the Jazz Arts Group in presenting the perfect concert to begin another year of exciting Big Band sounds, featuring special guest, vocalist Mary McClendon.

Performers: 

Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline, Dave Wheeler

Trombones
Tom Dale, Ola Hanson, Mark Greenwood, Vaughn Wiester

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Jerry Kaye, Ray Eubanks, Dean Cognine

Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums | Roger Hines – Bass | Steve Grier – Percussion | Stan Smith – Guitar

 

BIG BAND TODAY

Featuring Bill Watrous

Big Band 80’s Series
December 6, 1981 | Battelle Auditorium

Trombonist Bill Watrous returned for another display of awesome technique and exciting music. After moving to the West Coast, his band, Manhattan Wildlife Refuge, was one of the most energetic groups of the seventies. You heard why Bill was considered one of the day’s “monster” jazz instrumentalists.

 

 

ZOOT SIMS

Big Band 80’s Series
January 24, 1982 | Battelle Auditorium

One of Woody Herman’s original “Four Brothers,” Zoot brought his distinctive tenor sax sound to Columbus to be featured with both the Big Band and small combo. He was one of the real masters of jazz saxophone!

Performers:
Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline, Dave Wheeler

Trombones
Tom Dale, Ola Hanson, Mark Greenwood, Vaughn Wiester

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Jerry Kaye, Ray Eubanks

Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums | Steve Grier – Percussion | Roger Hines – Bass

LOUIE BELLSON RETURNS!

Big Band 80’s Series
March 7, 1982 | Battelle Auditorium

His 1979 JAG concert was one of the most exciting ever! Louie’s drumming propelled bands such as Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, as well as his own exciting group. Louie Bellson was considered by many to be the day’s finest drum soloists. Ask anybody who was at his JAG appearances!

Performers:

Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline, Dave Wheeler

Trombones
Tom Dale, Ola Hanson, Mark Greenwood, Vaughn Wiester

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Jerry Kaye, Ray Eubanks

Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums | Steve Grier – Percussion | Roger Hines – Bass

JAG’S SECOND SALUTE TO STAN KENTON 

Featuring Marvin Stamm and Michele Horsefield

Big Band 80’s Series
April 25, 1982 | Battelle Auditorium

The previous spring’s sold out concert was repeated as JAG performed more of Kenton’s greatest hits, with Kenton alumnus, trumpeter Marvin Stamm. You heard more favorites from the enormous library of the famous big band leader.

 

Performers:
Artistic Director – Ray Eubanks

Saxophones
Burdette Green, Jim Gallagher, Sonny McBroom, Byron Rooker, Steve Genteline, Dave Wheeler

Trombones
Tom Dale, Ola Hanson, Mark Greenwood, Vaughn Wiester, Nelson Foucht

Trumpets
Wes Orr, Bob Birkhimer, Stan Gilliland, Jerry Kaye, Ray Eubanks, Don Johnson, Ben Huntoon

Rhythm Section
Bobby Pierce – Piano | Al Berry – Bass | Bob Breithaupt – Drums | Steve Grier – Percussion | Roger Hines – Bass