Wednesday, October 10, 2007
by: Kathy Coyle

Hailing from Washington D.C., the 18-piece U.S. Army Blues Jazz Ensemble is on its way to show everyone what real jazz is all about. With the finest jazz musicians from all over the nation, they are putting on a spectacular show at 7:30 p.m. in the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on Tuesday, October 23. Admission to this concert is free and open to the public. Call the SOPAC box office to reserve your ticket at (973) 313-2787. 
        
The U.S. Army Blues Jazz Ensemble began as the U.S. Dance Band back in 1942, entertaining soldiers and civilians during WWII. They continued performing big-band rhythms after the war concluded. Determined to maintain the music of big-band legends such as Count Basie, Woody Herman and Stan Kenton, many members write for the ensemble and perform at world renowned venues, including the Monterey Jazz Festival in California, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and at New York City’s Birdland.

The band performs regularly at the White House, State Department and high profile military venues. During the holiday season, they perform for servicemen and women in conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait. Luckily for local jazz fans, the ensemble hits the streets of South Orange to celebrate their 35th anniversary.
    
Not only do they perform all over the world, but these professionals repeatedly recruit musicians and reach out to people interested in learning about jazz music. Just like the U.S. Army, the musicians look for quality and excellence in their recruits.

For information on this concert and other events sponsored by the Seton Hall University Arts Council, call (973) 313-6338.

For more information please contact:
Kathy Coyle
(973) 378-2647
diamanka@shu.edu