Una Bands Sets Annual Big Band Bash

Jan. 31, 2017

Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@meili25.com, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033

Carole Maynard, UNA Department of Music FLORENCE, Ala. - Carrying on a tradition that began in the 1990s, UNA Bands will once again present the February jazz concert, Valentine's Big Band Bash, Feb.12 at 3 p.m., in Norton Auditorium. "Each winter, as the temperatures cool down, local big bands and jazz bands are heating up," said Lloyd Jones, director of bands at UNA. "The Valentine's Big Band Bash is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon enjoying America's art form." With more than 80 musicians performing from the UNA Studio Jazz Band, the Shoals Big Band, the Swingin' River Jazz Band and the Muscle Shoals High School Jazz Band, this year's bash promises to be bigger and better than ever. "Each group has its own identity and style," said Jones. "This concert will deliver an afternoon of enjoyable music to all who attend-young and not-so-young." The Shoals Big Band, founded by Lyman Mitchell in 1979, will perform swinging love songs featuring Holli Jacobs on vocals and Jimmy Simpson on lead alto saxophone and clarinet. The Swingin' River Jazz Band, founded and directed by James Ed Champion, will feature Donna Berryhill on vocals. The Muscle Shoals High School Jazz Band, directed by David Waters, will make a special guest appearance at this year's bash. The UNA Studio Jazz Band will round-out the line up of bands performing. This 34-member augmented jazz organization will fire things up with "South Rampart Street Parade," W.C. Handy's own "St. Louis Blues," Woody Herman's "Woodchopper's Ball" and more. Hannah Jacobs will make her debut as vocalist with the group, singing the Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons hit "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Military personnel (with ID) and children 10 and under are free at the door. Tickets are available for purchase at meili25.com/music, at the Lindsey Theatre Box Office (MWF, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and at the door. For more information: meili25.com/music or (256)765-5122.