Chicago Big Band set to play iconic video game hits at Hey Nonny
On Wednesday, March 20, Arlington Heights music venue and bistro Hey Nonny is hosting The Blueshift Big Band, a 17-piece jazz orchestra lead by Joel Baer and Chris Parso. But the audience won’t hear any Count Basie or Buddy Rich. This playlist was curated to attract a different audience — one that grew up playing video games.
During this flashback event, The Blueshift Big Band will be performing familiar tunes from Mario, Zelda, Sonic the Hedgehog, and more with a decidedly magical moxie, as if from a time long before video games existed.
“This is going to be a show like no other,” said co-owner Chip Brooks. “We love bringing unique, creative concepts to Hey Nonny and this show will deliver. The toe-tapping jazz renditions of classic video game songs will definitely appeal to a whole new audience, including some that might not be exposed to these super talented jazz musicians otherwise. We hope the audience walks away with a new appreciation for jazz after hearing The Blueshift Big Band.”
The Blueshift Big Band was founded in 2017 by drummer Joel Baer and guitarist Chris Parsons. It was built upon the rich legacy of big band music in Chicago and the band often commissions material from Chicago-area writers. The band is bringing Neil Carson in to conduct these amazing new arrangements that present video game music in a serious but fun way.
“We’re hoping this show brings people back to the good old days of drinking Coke and eating pizza in their parents’ basement while playing video games with their friends,” claimed Brooks. “It will be nostalgic for the audience while recognizing the largely unsung composers of the video game genre.”
The Blueshift Big Band show takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at Hey Nonny in downtown Arlington Heights. Tickets can be purchased online in advance. To buy tickets, book dinner reservations, or view the full calendar of upcoming shows, visit heynonny.com.
Hey Nonny is a bistro and music venue located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights. The bistro, helmed by Chef Noe, serves an array of fresh seasonal Midwestern comfort-food-with-a-twist and a seasonally changing menu. The music venue is one of the best new “listening rooms” in the country, and hosts live music six days a week, featuring the best Chicago and touring acts playing jazz, blues, country, folk, and rock.