All-Ages Big Band Show Oct. 12 at Palatine's Durty Nellie's

With schools being closed for the Columbus Day holiday, families may be looking to do something special over that weekend. The 17-piece Jazz Consortium Big Band's performance Sunday, Oct. 12 is open to all ages at Durty Nellie's Pub, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine, IL. 6:00-9:00 p.m. Cover is $5 for students 17 and under, $10 for adults. Reservations encouraged at 847.358.9150 ext. 0. Website www.durtynellies.com.

Durty Nellie's concert room operates as a regular restaurant until 10 p.m., with tables and chairs and full food service available throughout the show, which ends at 9:00. "Our shows are always all-ages," comments bandleader Roy Vombrack "It's a great opportunity for younger listeners to experience 'live' big band music up close and personal. There's also seating upstairs that overlooks the stage--it's a little quieter there too."

He added, "Big Band music is a lively, fun sound--you don't have to be a jazz aficionado to enjoy our music. It's not a kids' show, but we'll be playing favorites from all eras, from classics such as 'Sing Sing Sing' and 'Satin Doll' to contemporary hits like the 'Austin Powers' theme and 'MacArthur Park', plus band-members' compositions."

The Jazz Consortium Big Band (www.jcbigband.com) first came together in the mid-1970's, consisting 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 Chicagoland, including an appearance at the Chicago Jazz Festival.

The Jazz Consortium disbanded in the early 1980's, with most of the members going on to full-time music careers. The band reunited four years ago, and it 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.