Free Big Band Concert May 16 at Morton Grove Library

"Back by popular demand" is a well-worn show-biz phrase, but it applies perfectly as the 14-piece Jazz Consortium Big Band returns to the Morton Grove Public Library for another free concert of Big Band swing and jazz-rock music on Friday, May 16, 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the library's Baxter Room auditorium. The library is at 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. Phone 847.965.4220, website www.mgpl.org.

Following an open house at 6:00 to introduce the library's new director Debra Stombres, the 7:00 concert will feature ballads, swing and jazz-rock favorites from the repertoire of such iconic Big Bands as Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson. It is part of the library's "MGPL After Dark" after-hours series of programs which are held on Fridays after the library closes. The Jazz Consortium Big Band helped initiate the series last July with its inaugural performance there.

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 has since been performing second Sundays monthly at Durty Nellie's Pub in Palatine, as well as playing various concerts and clubs throughout the area.