Columbus, OH – Under the direction of world-renowned band leader and trumpet virtuoso Byron Stripling, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO) continues to break new ground while honoring the rich heritage of America’s classical music – jazz. On March 13-16 at the Southern Theatre, the CJO pays tribute to the “King of Swing” and his famous 1938 Carnegie Hall concert with “Bravo, Benny!” featuring Ken Peplowski and Bria Skonberg.
On January 16, 1938, Benny Goodman brought his swing orchestra to America’s venerated home of European classical music, Carnegie Hall. The resulting concert – widely considered one of the most significant events in American music history – helped to usher jazz and swing music into the American cultural mainstream and fortunately was recorded onto acetate. Goodman forgot about the recordings until 1950 when Columbia released them as the world’s first double album, which promptly sold over a million copies. Join Byron and the CJO as they recreate this landmark concert and recording with the help of clarinetist/saxophonist Ken Peplowski in the role of Goodman, and rising young jazz trumpeter/vocalist Bria Skonberg.
The late Mel Torme´said, “Since the advent of Benny Goodman, there have been too few clarinetists to fill the void that Goodman left. Ken Peplowski is most certainly one of those few. The man is magic.” Not only is he an outstanding clarinetist and saxophonist, but he’s also a charismatic entertainer who has been delighting audiences for over 30 years with his warmth, wit, and musicianship.
Hailing from Chilliwack, BC, and now living in New York City, award winning trumpeter/vocalist/composer Bria Skonberg is “poised to be one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation.” She has earned a 2013 Jazz Journalists’ Association nomination for “Up and Coming Jazz Artist of the Year” and is included in DOWNBEAT Magazine’s Rising Star Critics‘ Poll for 2013.
Audience members can also join Byron Stripling for a casual and engaging conversation with Ken Peplowski, Bria Skonberg and the wonderful guest artists of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra in a new workshop series at the Jazz Academy. “Offstage at the Jazz Academy” provides participants a behind-the-scenes glimpse from the artist perspective on performing with the CJO – adding new perspective to being an audience member. In addition to the opportunity to learn something new, each guest artist will be asked to share what they are currently listening to on their iPods or CD players, introducing audiences to new and exciting music and artists. “Offstage at the Jazz Academy” is free to CJO subscribers and $10 for general registrants. Pre-registration is requested and available at jazzartsgroup.org.
2013-14 “Offstage at the Jazz Academy” season schedule
Saturday, March 15, 2:00 pm – Ken Peplowski & Bria Skonberg
Saturday, April 12, 2:00 pm – Sean Jones
Under the direction of Mark Donavan, the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO) is proud to perform prior to each Swingin’ with the CJO matinee concert. Comprised of premier players in grades 9-12 from central Ohio and beyond, the CYJO provides opportunities for talented high school age musicians to further their experience in America’s classical music – jazz. Admission to the CYJO performance at 2 PM is included with each 3 PM Sunday matinee ticket purchase.
Single tickets are on sale now for $52 (main floor), $46 (first balcony – loge), $41 (first balcony – mezzanine), and $30 (second balcony) and available through the CAPA Ticket Office at 614-469-0939 and through all Ticketmaster outlets. Student tickets are available for $15 (over 18) and $10 (under 18) with valid ID at the door. For more information call 614-294-5200 or visit jazzartsgroup.org.
The 2013-14 Swingin’ with the CJO season of the Jazz Arts Group is proudly presented by US Bank. The Columbus Jazz Orchestra receives ongoing support from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, The Columbus Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, The Reinberger Foundation, Ann & Tom Hoaglin, and The Westin Columbus. Media support is provided by The Columbus Dispatch, Outlook Columbus, WOSU Public Media, and WMNI AM 920.
About the Jazz Arts Group:
The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) is America's oldest not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to producing, performing and promoting jazz. JAG is the third largest performing arts organization in Columbus and consists of four focus areas: the Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO), one of the world's finest professional jazz orchestras; the Jazz Academy, JAG's extensive instructional programs educating both students and adults about jazz and American music; Inside Track, a jazz and blues performance series produced at the historic Lincoln Theatre and beyond; and Affiliate Musicians, a program providing employment opportunities for professional musicians.
On January 16, 1938, Benny Goodman brought his swing orchestra to America’s venerated home of European classical music, Carnegie Hall. The resulting concert – widely considered one of the most significant events in American music history – helped to usher jazz and swing music into the American cultural mainstream and fortunately was recorded onto acetate. Goodman forgot about the recordings until 1950 when Columbia released them as the world’s first double album, which promptly sold over a million copies. Join Byron and the CJO as they recreate this landmark concert and recording with the help of clarinetist/saxophonist Ken Peplowski in the role of Goodman, and rising young jazz trumpeter/vocalist Bria Skonberg.
The late Mel Torme´said, “Since the advent of Benny Goodman, there have been too few clarinetists to fill the void that Goodman left. Ken Peplowski is most certainly one of those few. The man is magic.” Not only is he an outstanding clarinetist and saxophonist, but he’s also a charismatic entertainer who has been delighting audiences for over 30 years with his warmth, wit, and musicianship.
Hailing from Chilliwack, BC, and now living in New York City, award winning trumpeter/vocalist/composer Bria Skonberg is “poised to be one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation.” She has earned a 2013 Jazz Journalists’ Association nomination for “Up and Coming Jazz Artist of the Year” and is included in DOWNBEAT Magazine’s Rising Star Critics‘ Poll for 2013.
Audience members can also join Byron Stripling for a casual and engaging conversation with Ken Peplowski, Bria Skonberg and the wonderful guest artists of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra in a new workshop series at the Jazz Academy. “Offstage at the Jazz Academy” provides participants a behind-the-scenes glimpse from the artist perspective on performing with the CJO – adding new perspective to being an audience member. In addition to the opportunity to learn something new, each guest artist will be asked to share what they are currently listening to on their iPods or CD players, introducing audiences to new and exciting music and artists. “Offstage at the Jazz Academy” is free to CJO subscribers and $10 for general registrants. Pre-registration is requested and available at jazzartsgroup.org.
2013-14 “Offstage at the Jazz Academy” season schedule
Saturday, March 15, 2:00 pm – Ken Peplowski & Bria Skonberg
Saturday, April 12, 2:00 pm – Sean Jones
Under the direction of Mark Donavan, the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO) is proud to perform prior to each Swingin’ with the CJO matinee concert. Comprised of premier players in grades 9-12 from central Ohio and beyond, the CYJO provides opportunities for talented high school age musicians to further their experience in America’s classical music – jazz. Admission to the CYJO performance at 2 PM is included with each 3 PM Sunday matinee ticket purchase.
Single tickets are on sale now for $52 (main floor), $46 (first balcony – loge), $41 (first balcony – mezzanine), and $30 (second balcony) and available through the CAPA Ticket Office at 614-469-0939 and through all Ticketmaster outlets. Student tickets are available for $15 (over 18) and $10 (under 18) with valid ID at the door. For more information call 614-294-5200 or visit jazzartsgroup.org.
The 2013-14 Swingin’ with the CJO season of the Jazz Arts Group is proudly presented by US Bank. The Columbus Jazz Orchestra receives ongoing support from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, The Columbus Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, The Reinberger Foundation, Ann & Tom Hoaglin, and The Westin Columbus. Media support is provided by The Columbus Dispatch, Outlook Columbus, WOSU Public Media, and WMNI AM 920.
About the Jazz Arts Group:
The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) is America's oldest not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to producing, performing and promoting jazz. JAG is the third largest performing arts organization in Columbus and consists of four focus areas: the Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO), one of the world's finest professional jazz orchestras; the Jazz Academy, JAG's extensive instructional programs educating both students and adults about jazz and American music; Inside Track, a jazz and blues performance series produced at the historic Lincoln Theatre and beyond; and Affiliate Musicians, a program providing employment opportunities for professional musicians.
