Jazz Club of Sarasota presents “A Jazz Holiday” with Nate Najar All-Star Big Band
Concert on Dec. 18 includes Ellington/Strayhorn arrangement of “Nutcracker Suite” and other favorites
SARASOTA, FL: “The Nutcracker Suite” has become a cherished part of the holiday season for many. For jazz lovers, the name of Duke Ellington evokes expectations of the best in jazz. Now the Jazz Club of Sarasota unites these elements in “A Jazz Holiday” with the Nate Najar All-Star Big Band, a group of nationally recognized musicians. Acclaimed guitarist Najar leads some of the finest jazz musicians in the nation as they perform Tchiakovsky’s beloved music as arranged by jazz legends Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. The band will also play other holiday and jazz favorites in a family-friendly concert on Friday, December 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. Tickets are now on sale for the event at $25 for Jazz Club members and $35 for guests.
St. Petersburg native Nate Najar has received international recognition as a fingerstyle guitarist, using a classical guitar to play jazz music. He regularly places at the top of jazz music charts for his artistry. The musician/producer/composer has performed for international festivals, concerts and television and also composed for film.
The other all-stars in the big band are Ken Peplowski, Harry Allen, Jeff Rupert, Rodney Rojas and Austin Vickrey playing saxophone; Marius Dicpetrus, Bill Allred and Ron Moss on trombone; Tom Parmerter, Randy Sandke, James Suggs and Javon Falcon on trumpet; and Najar, John Lamb, Chuck Redd and Mark Feinman in the rhythm section.
For information and tickets, please call 800.838.3006 or 941.366.1552; visit jazzclubsarasota.org or email [email protected].
The Jazz Club of Sarasota, founded in 1980, is one of the most active jazz clubs in the United States. Dedicated to preserving, promoting and presenting jazz, America’s original musical art form, the Club has provided over 50 jazz-related events annually for more than 35 years. Chief among them is the highly respected Sarasota Jazz Festival, with the 36th Festival set for March 3-12, 2016. In addition to producing numerous jazz events, over the years the Club has granted approximately $200,000 to aspiring young jazz musicians.
