Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra: 4 Shows At Arvada Center

ARVADA, CO – Colorado jazz is big at Arvada Center. So big, the center welcomes the large jazz sound of Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra for four concerts this season, starting Oct. 20.

The CJRO was founded three years ago by Art Bouton, Professor of Saxophone at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music. The ensemble of pro jazz players performs "the best music with the best players." Performances can include everything from big band to exciting modern jazz compositions, and, next May, a do-it-yourself Rocky Theme Song "BYOT" (Bring Your Own Trumpet).

Here are the upcoming shows:

The CJRO Goes Latin! October 20, 2018

All the big bands took part in the Latin craze of the sixties, and the CJRO will dig into that rich library, with tunes like; Maynard Ferguson’s “A Night in Tunisia,” and from the Buddy Rich band, “Cape Verdean Blues.” CJRO vocalist Heidi Schmidt will sing “Chega de Saudade,” (No More Blues) and many other selections from south of the border!

Down With the Count, a Basie Bash. January 19, 2019

The Count Basie Orchestra was one of the most prominent jazz groups of the swing era. The band will play “One O’clock Jump,” “Splanky,” “Flight of the Foo Birds,” and other Basie greats. No band swings this music like the CJRO, and Colorado favorite Robert Johnson will join the band for some vocal selections. The last two Basie shows were complete sellouts, so get your tickets now for this exciting concert.

Overjoyed, the Music of Stevie Wonder March 16, 2019

Come to hear new arrangements of Stevie Wonder classics from the CJRO’s new CD, Overjoyed. Robert Johnson, who sang backup with Stevie Wonder for many years and will perform “All in Love is Fair,” and “Too High.”

A Tribute to Maynard Ferguson May 11, 2019

The last time the CJRO played a Maynard Ferguson tribute, amateur trumpet players in the audience were encouraged to bring their instruments and join in on the final choruses of “Hey Jude” to close the show. It was a hoot! So, trumpeters, bring your horns. And of course, the CJRO will play “Rocky Theme Song” (“Gonna Fly Now”). This will be a fun concert, but definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Tickets range from $24 - $38. All shows take place in the Main Stage Theater at 7:30 p.m. For season subscriptions and single tickets, call the Arvada Center box office at 720-898-7200 or go online to: https://arvadacenter.org/on-stage/colorado-jazzrepertory-orchestra.

Image via Arvada Center

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