Sacramento Jazz Festival and Jubilee

Count Basie Orchestra

The world famous Count Basie Orchestra, led by trombonist Bill Hughes, kicks off the 2009 Sacramento Jazz Jubilee in a special concert on Thursday, May 21 at the Radisson Hotel. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the concert starts at 7:00 pm.

The Special Count Basie Jubilee Kickoff Concert will be broadcast live and streamed by KXJZ, Sacramento Capital Radio's news and jazz station, May 21, 2009 from 8 to 9 pm. For information, go to www.capradio.org.

The 19-piece Basie Orchestra, founded by legendary pianist Count Basie, sailed comfortably through the late-'40s decline of big band popularity and, although no longer led by the Count, has gone on to garner 17 Grammy awards and to be included 11 times in the Down Beat Reader's Poll as 'Best Big Band.'

The orchestra continues to build new fans the old fashioned way-by hitting the road, meeting its audiences and playing its music, night after night. It has fused contemporary sensibilities with its own traditions, in part because it is a working band with the esprit de corps that comes from facing listeners night in and night out. Audiences experience firsthand the power and grace that exists only when 19 jazz musicians stand shoulder to shoulder and perform as a big band.

The Basie Orchestra's musicians have grown up with the Kansas City Swing style of Count Basie and add their own voice to the band. With 19 performers-17 sidemen, one vocalist, and one bandleader-it has become America's premier jazz band, celebrating the big band experience through the original and identifiable Count Basie repertoire.

Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door, but Jubilee ticket holders, volunteers and Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society members will be admitted for $25.