The Colonial Presents The New Black Eagle Jazz Band
with The Pittsfield CityJazz Youth Orchestra in association with The Pittsfield CityJazz FestivalPittsfield – The Colonial Theatre will present The New Black Eagle Jazz Band together with the Pittsfield CityJazz Youth Orchestra on October 17th at 8PM. This performance, entitled “Jazz Meets Symphony” is one of the headline concerts scheduled for the weekend of October 17-19, and includes traditional Jazz masterpieces that have been re-orchestrated for symphony configuration.
Tickets for the performance range from $15 for students, to $30 and can be purchased in person at The Colonial Theatre Ticket Office at 111 South Street Monday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-2, by calling (413) 997-4444 or 24/7 online at www.TheColonialTheatre.org Pittsfield CityJazz Youth Orchestra Educators and Family Members receive 10% off tickets.
The Black Eagles, as they are often known to their fans, have been a fixture on the international jazz scene since 1971, bringing the sounds of traditional New Orleans Jazz to audiences all over the world. Now in their 37th year, The New Black Eagle Jazz Band plays a vast repertoire of original and traditional jazz, including early New Orleans, 1920s Chicago, 1930s small band, the revival of the 1940s and 1950s jazz. Arrangements include “The Mooche” by Duke Ellington, “New Rag” by Scott Joplin, “East St. Louis Toodle-oo” by Duke Ellington, “Shake It and Break It,” “High Society,” “Grandpa’s Spells” by Jelly Roll Morton, and more.
The concert will feature The New Black Eagle Jazz Band, performing in collaboration with an all-star orchestra—complete with strings—from six public high schools in Berkshire County: Pittsfield and Taconic from the host city; Wahconah (Dalton), Lee, Lenox, and Monument Mountain (Great Barrington). In addition to a full set by the Youth Orchestra, The New Black Eagle Jazz Band will perform several of their traditional jazz pieces that have been adapted for small symphony.
In addition to The New Black Eagle Jazz Band collaboration with the newly-formed youth orchestra, the Festival’s educational outreach includes visits to Pittsfield’s eight elementary schools to play, demonstrate, and talk about the rightful place of Jazz in American culture. The Pittsfield Sister City Jazz Ambassadors have presented this program for three years, and have even carried it to Europe, where there is a great appreciation for Jazz.
Pittsfield CityJazz Festival
The fourth annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival will run from October 10-19. Regionally-based musicians will be featured throughout the city on Columbus Day weekend (October 10-12), the “Jazz in the Schools” program will occur October 14-17, and headline concerts are scheduled for October 17-19. More information can be found at www.PittsfieldCityJazz.org
The youth orchestra is an all-star group comprising members of the Jazz ensembles of Pittsfield and Taconic High Schools, and the Pittsfield Chamber Orchestra.
“It is very satisfying to be able to deepen our partnerships with local performers and performing arts organizations,” says David Fleming, Executive Director of The Colonial Theatre. “We are particularly proud that the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival is returning for a headline concert that pairs the Black Eagles, who opened the first festival in 2005, and the new Pittsfield CityJazz Youth Orchestra. This collaboration demonstrates The Colonial Theatre’s commitment to community-oriented events that deliver memorable musical experiences. The concert is certain to shine a bright light on Pittsfield and continue to build on the festival’s reputation for bringing high-quality music to downtown.”
Tickets for all performances can be purchased in person at The Colonial Theatre Ticket Office at 111 South Street Monday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-2, by calling (413) 997-4444 or 24/7 online at www.TheColonialTheatre.org
