‘Basie on the Beatles’ is Jazz-infused Fab Four
Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra plays Beatles music interpreted by Count Basie
(VERO BEACH, FL) October 25, 2021 – “Hey Jude,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Penny Lane,” “Yesterday,” “Come Together–” these titles instantly bring to mind the music of Liverpool’s Fab Four. The Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra will present Basie on the Beatles at 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 7 at the Emerson Center, 1590 27th Avenue in Vero Beach, 32960. The Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra, under the direction of Frank Wosar, will present a program featuring the music of The Beatles filtered through the imagination of the renowned pianist and bandleader, Count Basie. The concert playlist will reprise music from the 1970 album of the same name by Basie and his orchestra. The audience can expect to hear a collection of legendary songs from The Beatles, the mega group that steamrolled onto the American music scene in the 1960s. Count Basie infused the Beatles’ songs with his signature soulful twist straight out of Harlem and Kansas City. $30 advance tickets for adults are available through the orchestra website at SpaceCoastSymphony.org or at Marine Bank & Trust, beachside and mainland branches. Tickets at the door are $35. Basie on the Beatles is free for those aged 18 and under or with a student ID. For more information, call toll free to 855-252-7276 or visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org.
The iconic American jazz composer Count Basie was well known for big band, swing and bebop. And Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra Conductor, Frank Wosar thinks Central Florida audiences will be just as wowwed as he is, by Basie’s musical take of the Fab Four. Wosar is Director of Jazz Bands at Valencia College. The trombone professor is a four-time Down Beat Award winner for outstanding jazz solo.
“I’ve been a Beatles fan since I was a kid,” said Wosar. “Growing up, my father had a Wurlitzer jukebox filled with the Beatles hits. Fast forward 20 years, I fell in love with the album, ‘Basie on the Beatles’ released back in 1970. It was Count Basie’s second tribute album to the Beatles, with the swing that only Count Basie could bring.”
Wosar holds his jazz band in high esteem and will introduce them to the audience at the concert.
“This is truly an ‘All-Star’ band, featuring some of Florida’s finest musicians. With the rhythm section lead by drummer Greg Parnell, trumpet section let by Brian Scanlon, and our celebrity-filled sax section, you won’t want to miss this one!”
Indoor performances by the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra are pursuant to the Covid-19 protocols of individual venues.
Concertgoers aged 18 and under or with a college ID are admitted free to every SCSO concert. For more information about the Space Coast Symphony’s 2021-22 Season, please visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call toll-free (855) 252-7276.
ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA— The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability. The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices. The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations.
37-year old Aaron T. Collins is garnering recognition for his achievements. LEAD Brevard named the ambitious Collins one of their “4 under 40” Young Professionals, the youngest-ever recipient of the honor. Space Coast Business magazine listed him as one of Brevard’s “100 Most Admired Businesspeople.” Collins is a past recipient of the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County. Through his personal involvement with more than a dozen performing arts groups, pioneering reciprocal ad program and social media cross promotions, Collins has gained a reputation for generosity; championing other arts organizations throughout Central Florida for the cultural enrichment of the community.
School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID. In keeping with their mission, the symphony provides a unique Symphony for Everyone ticketing program, a “pay-what-you-can” option designed to provide substantially discounted admission to any Space Coast Symphony concert (PLEASE NOTE: availability may vary during Covid pandemic). Relying on a non-traditional orchestra model and a slim budget, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only 19 U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. In addition to maintaining the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra and Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra, the non-profit organization also has a youth orchestra and provides numerous separate and free ensemble performances. More information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, directions and sponsorship opportunities is available at SpaceCoastSymphony.org by calling toll free (855) 252-7276.
