Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By TOM STANKARD
Ironwood — To salute the U.S. military, The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble will perform at the Historic Ironwood Theatre Monday at 7:30 p.m.
Bruce Greenhill, HIT managing director, said the ensemble is a band of 18 professional, enlisted musicians whose repertoire ranges from traditional big band jazz, to bebop and swing, to modern jazz.
Greenhill said it is a Glenn Miller-style band and the concerts are just as likely to feature the music of contemporary composers as the classic sounds of Count Basie.
Over the years, the band has backed many jazz greats such as Tex Benecke, Denis DiBlasio, Jamey Aebersold, Mike Smith, Bobby Shew, Allen Vizzutti, Jeff Jarvis, Mike Vax, Vaughn Nark, Bill Porter, Carmen Bradford, Shelley Berg, Joe Morello, Steve Houghton and Walt Levinsky.
The ensemble is requested for featured performances at jazz clinics and festivals throughout the country.
Greenhill said the ensemble frequently pays tribute to America’s heritage by performing for a head of state, playing the National Anthem before a capacity crowd at a professional basketball or baseball game.
Greenhill said admission is free, but donations will be appreciated.
