Fall Jazz Concert Set for Dec. 6

The Cal Poly jazz ensembles will showcase the next generation’s approach to jazz at their Fall Jazz Concert at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in Spanos Theatre on campus.

Highlighting the concert will be “Sambandrea Swing,” a Latin jazz composition for big band composed by tenor saxophonist Don Menza and described by Paul Rinzler, Cal Poly director of jazz studies, as blisteringly fast. It will be performed by Cal Poly’s University Jazz Band I.

At an even faster tempo will be an arrangement of the jazz classic “Cherokee,” a tune that has been popularly performed as fast as possible since the bebop era. The slow, bluesy side of jazz will also be represented by University Jazz Band I in the jazz tune “Willow Weep for Me” in an arrangement by Mark Taylor.

University Jazz Band II will feature “A Tribute to Miles,” a medley of some of Miles Davis’ most influential and popular compositions. The band will also perform a catchy, infectious Latin jazz version of “Mack the Knife,” titled “Jack the Knife."

With four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones and a rhythm section, both big bands produce the classic “wall of sound” for which big bands are known. Two jazz combos will also perform.

Tickets to the concert are $12 for the public and $9 for senior citizens, students and Jazz Federation members. Pricing includes all Performing Arts Center fees, and event parking is sponsored by the PAC. Tickets are sold at thePerforming Arts Ticket office between noon and 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. To order by phone, call SLO-4TIX (756-4849).

The Music Department offers a 10 percent discount to patrons who buy season tickets to four of its events through the Performing Arts Ticket Office; a 15 percent discount is given on tickets to five or more events.

The concert is sponsored by Cal Poly's College of Liberal Arts, Music Department, and Instructionally Related Activities program. For more information, call the Music Department at 805-756-2406.