New Cappella Concert Series with the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra
10/07/24The 2024-25 LJO Cappella Concert Hall Series gets in the groove with a cornucopia of sensational big band compositions and performers.
This season's series introduces premier La Crosse virtuoso vocal talents in their first foray into the jazz idiom, says band director Greg Balfany. The concerts will also feature outstanding instrumental talents from the Twin Cities and Chicago.
The first concerts are set for Oct. 17 and 18 at in the Cappella Performing Arts Center, 721 King St., La Crosse.
The October concerts feature Matt Curtis, Cappella CEO and famed performer with the legendary choir “Chanticleer,” stepping out in front of the LJO. Twin Cities guitar virtuoso Chris Olson, a member of the JazzMN Orchestra who has recorded with countless artists, will also perform in the October concerts.
Matt’s "Martinis and Sinatra" set features selections from Michael Bublé and Frank Sinatra for this maiden voyage. Selections will include Sinatra's “Come Fly With Me” and Bublé's “Moondance.” Matt will be singing in the recently renovated Cappella Performing Arts Concert Hall for the first time.
Chris has chosen several works that take the guitar through its roll in big band jazz from Charlie Christian with the Benny Goodman Orchestra through the contemporary music of today. Selections include Charlie Parker’s “Billie’s Bounce,” Charlie Christian’s “Solo Flight” and the hip-hop flavored “Old West” from the famed One O’Clock Band.
Chris and Matt will combine to perform Byron Stripling’s version of “That Old Black Magic.” Band lead trumpeter Jon Schipper will be featured on L.A.’s Big Phat Band’s “Horn of Puente.” Tenor saxophonist Jeff Erickson (UW-L Jazz Studies Director) will hold forth on Woody Herman’s famed hit “Early Autumn.” Buddy Rich’s “Critic’s Choice” will allow several of the band soloists to display their talents.
Both concerts start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online or in person at the Cappella Center.
ABOUT THE BAND
The La Crosse Jazz Orchestra is Western Wisconsin's premier big band. Directed by Greg Balfany, the group is best known through its Jazz in the Park concert series. The LJO mission: to promote, preserve and forward the creation of jazz music through free live performances available to all in our region. LJO operates under fiscal sponsorship from La Crosse Community Foundation.