Hot jazz cools the summer heat July 21

The hot sound of jazz comes center stage at The Wheaton Municipal Band concert at 8PM on Thursday, July 21 in Memorial Park.

Under the direction of bandleader Doug Beach, the Wheaton Big Band promises to have the park swinging. The normal 90-piece concert band downsizes (for this concert only) to a 20-piece big band, but don't let the size fool you. The sound is amazing.

Shoring up the core rhythm section are local stand-outs: Frank Caruso on piano, Mike Pinto on guitar, Kirk Garrison on trumpet, Dan Parker on Bass, and Keith Brooks on drums. The rest of the band is auditioned from the Wheaton Municipal Band members. Also on the program is a guest vocalist, Chicago area jazz singer, Gayle Bisesi. She fills the stage with energy and excitement.

The night will be filled with the music of Stan Kenton. Kenton, a pianist, was known for his innovation, powerful harmonies and depth of emotion. On the program you will hear: "Artistry in Rhythm," "Eager Beaver," and swing. Although Kenton abandoned swing for a while during his career, he returned to it with a swinging jazz orchestra.

Doug Beach, the bandleader, just returned from South America, where he toured with the Elmhurst College Jazz Band. Beach has served on the faculty at Elmhurst College since 1978. Beach directs the acclaimed Elmhurst College Jazz Band and the jazz studies program. He is also well known for his work as a publisher and composer. He is one of the world?s leading publishers of educational jazz music and has won 15 awards for composition from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. In 1996, the Count Basie Orchestra and New York Voices recorded his arrangement of "Cottontail" that went on to win the Grammy for best large jazz ensemble.

Don't miss this exciting concert. The park fills up quickly, so come early and grab a spot. Thursday, July 21 at 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Park.