Free Big Band Concert at Elgin's Wing Park July 15

An evening of Big Band favorites, old and new, is in store when the 17-piece Jazz Consortium Big Band plays a free outdoor concert Tuesday, July 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Wing Park Bandshell, 1010 Wing St., Elgin. For details, visit www.cityofelgin.org or call (847) 531-7056.

Led by Elgin resident and saxophonist Roy Vombrack, this professional band of five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones and rhythm section will feature ballads, swing and jazz-rock selections such iconic Big Bands as Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson.

The concert is sponsored by the City of Elgin as part of its Summer Concert Series. Bench seating is available, or lawn chairs and blankets can be brought in. Parking is free. Soda and popcorn will be for sale by one of Elgin's nonprofit groups.

The Jazz Consortium Big Band (www.jcbigband.com) first came together in the mid-1970s made up of former and current University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University and Northwestern University musicians with a love of Big Band music.

The group went on to perform at jazz clubs, nightspots and concerts throughout Chicago area, including an appearance at the Chicago Jazz Festival.

The Jazz Consortium disbanded in the early 1980s, with most of the members going on to full-time music careers. The band reunited four years ago, and has since been performing second Sundays monthly at Durty Nellie's Pub in Palatine, as well as playing numerous concerts and clubs throughout the area, most recently at Chicago's famous Jazz Showcase nightclub.