We are less than a week away from Legends: Kenton & Ferguson! You don’t want to miss this incredible program!
Frank Wosar will lead the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra in an October tribute to two of the most important figures in jazz, Stan Kenton and Maynard Ferguson.
The JAZZ Orchestra of Central Florida’s finest jazz musicians will present LEGENDS: Kenton & Ferguson at 7:00 PM on Saturday, October 15 at the Satellite High School Performing Arts Center and at 3:00 PM on Sunday, October 16 at The Emerson Center in Vero Beach.
Kenton was known for his big blaring horn sections—his was the original “wall of sound.” Under the direction of Wosar, the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra will feature an enlarged big band (the same size as Kenton’s) playing a number of songs written and arranged by Kenton, including “Malaguena,” “Peanut Vendor,” and “A Little Minor Booze.” The concert will also pay homage to trumpeter and composer, Maynard Ferguson. Ferguson came to prominence playing in Stan Kenton’s orchestra before forming his own band in 1957. Selections from Ferguson will include “Coconut Champagne,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” “Birdland,” “MacArthur Park,” and more.
Tickets are $30 in advance for adults, available through the orchestra website at SpaceCoastSymphony.org or at Marine Bank & Trust. Tickets at the door are $35. LEGENDS: Kenton & Ferguson is free for those aged 18 and under or with a student ID.
Masters of composition and musicianship, Stan Kenton and Maynard Ferguson are today regarded as genuine American jazz legends. And Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra Conductor, Frank Wosar thinks audiences will be wowed by his group’s high energy tribute to the greats. 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 fan of Stan Kenton and Maynard Ferguson my whole life,” said Wosar. “This concert really honors their genius. And we have a band of fantastic musicians who will bring the music of these two legends to life.”