Basie Orchestra to perform

An orchestra with one of the most recognizable names in American jazz history will perform in Pittsburg on Friday, March 3. The Count Basie Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. on March 3 in Pittsburg's Memorial Auditorium. The performance is part of the Pittsburg State University Performing Arts and Lecture Series and is the concluding event in the 32nd annual PSU Jazz Festival.

Bob Kehle, a member of the PSU Department of Music faculty and jazz festival director, said that good seats are still available for the concert, but because of the large numbers of student musicians expected for the jazz festival, tickets for the Count Basie Orchestra concert should sell out quickly.

The PSU Ensemble will also perform at the concert. The songs they will perform are: "Hunting Wabbits," a hip west coast piece by Gordon Goodwin; "Shenandoah," a beautiful arrangement of a classic tune done by Tony Nalker for the U.S. Army Blues; "La Bande Grande," a Latin-swing tune by the great jazz drummer and National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Louis Bellson; and "Minuano," by Pat Metheny, who was born in Lee's Summit, Mo.

The Count Basie Orchestra is directed by Bill Hughes and features drummer Butch Miles and vocalist Melba Joyce. Winners of more than 17 Grammies and the object of numerous special appearances and command performances for presidents and kings, the Count Basie Orchestra has become an American jazz icon. Their recordings span whole generations. The orchestra, in demand around the world, celebrates the big band experience with the original and identifiable Count Basie repertoire.

Tickets for the Count Basie Orchestra concert are: On the floor: $12 for adults and $10 for persons 65 and over or 12 and under. Full- time PSU students are admitted free to designated areas. Tickets may be purchased in person at the PSU Ticket Office in the Overman Student Center, by phone at 620-235-4796 or online at www.pittstate.edu/union/tickets/index.html.

For information about the PSU Jazz Festival, contact Director Bob Kehle at 620-235-4474.

---Pitt State---