Wheaton Municipal Band puts on big band jazz concert Aug. 2
Once again, Memorial Park sizzles with “Cool Jazz,” under the direction of Elmhurst College Professor Doug Beach. Don't miss this special event on Thursday, August 2 at 8:00 p.m. in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton.
The evening's concert features local jazz greats, Frank Caruso on piano, Kirk Garrison on trumpet, Mark Colby on Tenor Sax, Bob Rummage on Drums, Dan Parker on Bass and Bethany Bredehoft on vocals. Select members of the Wheaton Municipal Band round out the Big Band Sound.
The night swings with a mix of jazz standards and big band originals. Mark Colby's original tune Riley's Thang opens the show. Followed by favorite jazz standards: Blue Bossa, In A Sentimental Mood, The Man I Love, In the Mood, Honeysuckle Rose and How High the Moon. Plus there's plenty more.
Doug Beach, the maestro for the evening, has served on the faculty at Elmhurst College since 1978 where he directs the acclaimed Elmhurst College Jazz Band and the jazz studies program. Beach is well known for his work as a publisher and composer. One of the world's leading publishers of educational jazz music, he 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.
Cool off on Thursday, August 2 at 8:00 p.m. with the hot sounds of Big Band Jazz in Memorial Park.