THE MIKE VAX BIG BAND TO PERFORM AT
BAY PORT HIGH SCHOOL ON MAY 7TH
Howard/Suamico, WI, April 16, 2008- The Bay Port Music Association announced today that The Mike Vax Big Band, featuring alumni from the 1956-1978 Stan Kenton Orchestras, will be performing at the Bay Port High School Performing Arts Center on May 7th at 7:30pm. The performance will be open to the public, with tickets available from Bay Port Band Students, at the Bay Port High School Office, at Henri’s Music, Heid Music, and Instrumental Music in Green Bay. Cost is a $12.00 donation, with proceeds supporting students’ music activities through the Bay Port Music Association.
“We are fortunate to be able to bring the finest Big Band in the country, to the community,” said Luther Appel, the Band Director at Bay Port High School. “In addition to offering a relaxed, entertaining atmosphere to the audience, the Mike Vax Big Band helps to keep alive our jazz heritage in America.”
Mike Vax, leader of the band said, “We perform some of the well-known music of the Stan Kenton Orchestra; plus in keeping with Stan’s insistence on not just performing nostalgia type music, we also perform fresh new material written in the Kenton style, as well as original material written by members of the Band. We are NOT trying to be the Stan Kenton Orchestra, but we are carrying on his tradition of dedication to creative music and to jazz education.”
Mike Vax has led a big band off and on since his days at College of the Pacific over 45 years ago. A few of his credits include being first trumpet, soloist and road manager of the Stan Kenton Orchestra, as well as being co-leader while Mr. Kenton was recovering from surgery; leading the Dukes of Dixieland in New Orleans; producing and/or music directing for over 30 jazz festivals; and performing workshops for more than 2000 high schools, colleges and universities all over the world. He is an International Artist for the GETZEN COMPANY.
