Classic big band music returns to Birch Creek Music Performance Center Wednesdays through Saturdays, July 21 through August 14.
Musicians from New York to Las Vegas join the Birch Creek Academy Band for one of their favorite gigs, concerts in the historic Dutton Barn just outside Egg Harbor. The barn’s natural acoustics have provided performers and audiences with an excellent venue for live music for 35 years.
Jeff Campbell, temporarily leaving his post at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, begins his 22nd season at Birch Creek, his 14th as Academy Band leader and Program Director. Campbell recruits the world-class professionals who teach and perform at Birch Creek.
Members of the Academy Big Band have played with the Count Basie Orchestra, the big bands of the Dorsey brothers, and such celebrated names as Frank Sinatra Jr., Jerry Lewis, Dizzy Gillespie, Mose Allison, and Marian McPartland. Their summer gig is unique: they perform at night on Birch Creek’s stage in concerts for the public and teach promising young musicians from across the country during the day.
“The Big Bands Are Back” on July 21 and again on July 24 features the Academy Band performing music selected from the works of jazz greats such as Swing Era clarinet sensation Artie Shaw; tenor saxophonist, arranger and member of the Count Basie Orchestra, Frank Foster; composer Billy Strayhorn, who is widely associated with his theme of the swing era, “Take the ‘A’ Train;” and noted American jazz pianist and band leader Bennie Moten.
“Basie, Ellington & Miller,” on July 22 and 23, will feature arrangements by Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Glen Miller. On July 23, try out your swing dance steps when a section of the barn will be cleared for concertgoers to dance to their favorite Big Band hits.
All concerts begin at 8 pm. General admission is $29 for adults, $10 for young adults 12 through 20 and college students, and $6 for children 11 & under.
The box office outside the concert barn opens at 7 pm on concert nights, with pre-concert music in the campus gazebo at 7:30 pm. A picnic grove with tables is available for carry-in picnics.
Big Band Jazz Concert Dates:
July 21 – The Big Bands Are Back
July 22 – Basie, Ellington & Miller Vol. I
July 23 – Basie, Ellington & Miller Vol. I (Dancing Optional)
July 24 – The Big Bands Are Back
July 28 – Jazz & The Great American Big Band
July 29 – Big Bands Play The American Popular Song
July 30 – Big Bands Play The American Popular Song
July 31 – 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Free Family Concert
July 31 – Jazz & The Great American Big Band
Aug. 4 – A Century of Big Band Music
Aug. 5 – Basie, Ellington & Miller, Vol. II
Aug. 6 – Basie, Ellington & Miller, Vol. II (Dancing Optional)
Aug. 7- A Century of Big Band Music
Aug. 8 – STARZ Series: Music of Billie Holiday featuring the vocals of Mardra Thomas
Aug. 11 – The Legacy Of The Big Band
Aug. 12 – The Great American Big Band
Aug. 13 – The Great American Big Band
Aug. 14 – 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Free Family Concert
Aug. 14 – The Legacy Of The Big Band
To reserve tickets:
Tickets are $29/adults, $10/young adults ages 12 through 20 and college students, and $6/children 11 and under.
Call Birch Creek 920.868.3763 or click to download an order form.
