THIS FRIDAY (9/5) | Columbus Jazz Orchestra featuring Helen Welch

With very few performance opportunities available for jazz musicians playing in the big band scene, Columbus Jazz Arts Group formed the Columbus Jazz Orchestra over 40 years ago with no idea how successful it would come to be. To stop from becoming a thing of the past, audiences are led to return each and every season due to their new and modern arrangements of jazz classics, but with the same high energy and style that big bands have obtained since the 1920s. Byron Stripling, world-renown band leader and trumpet virtuoso, leads the Columbus Jazz Orchestra with the experience of playing with bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman and Lionel Hampton, traveling the world to play jazz festivals and being a featured soloist with groups such as the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, the National Symphony and the Pittsburgh Symphony.

Even though Stripling has played with so many of the world’s finest musicians, so has the Columbus Jazz Orchestra; featuring high profile vocalists and instrumentalists on many of their performances, this show will prove to be no different. Enchanting crowds with her vocals and humor, we are excited to announce that Helen Welch will be joining the orchestra for this special performance. Welch, who is a native of England, got off to a fast start of starring roles in some of Broadway’s biggest productions—captivating audiences both in person and even on television (BBC). Her musical work eventually led to her working with the UK’s most talented big bands, as well as teaching students of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, who are considered to be the best of Britain’s future musicians.

With over 20 subscribed season concerts given by the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, we are thrilled to be able to host their debut in Bicentennial Park. Both with large and devoted followings, Helen Welch and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra will be sure to quickly engage the large audience and leave listeners holding on to every note!

EVENING SCHEDULE:
6:30 p.m. – Food and beverage sales begin
7:30 p.m. – Performance

ARTIST WEBSITE:
http://www.jazzartsgroup.org/