By Cullen Lea
Intern
The brass and string sounds of the Big Band era will fill the Lumina Ballroom at Wrightsville Beach’s Holiday Inn Resort Sunday, Dec. 14 for the Cape Fear Jazz Society’s annual Jazzy Holiday Party. Artistry in Jazz, a 21-piece Wilmington based band, will play the music of Stan Kenton, including hits like “Laura” and “Waltz of the Prophets,” in addition to traditional Christmas tunes.
Holiday Inn Resort’s director of sales and marketing Maureen Donovan said she is thrilled to host the Cape Fear Jazz Society at the hotel.
“It will be a wonderful holiday-themed event with music from such talented artists,” Donovan said.
Artistry of Jazz bandleader Jerry Tate is excited to play the music of Kenton, one of his music idols.
“My sister used to listen to him when I was younger and I’ve been a fan ever since,” Tate said. “I’ve had the great opportunity to see him in concert. It’s an amazing show with a big, distinct sound.”
Kenton was known for having an orchestra instead of an ensemble to carry him, and for his signature swingy jazz sound and defined, West-Coast style. He won several Grammys in the 1960s for “Kenton’s West Side Story” and “Adventures of Jazz.”
To accommodate such a rich score, Tate and his band mates have been practicing for months.
“This is a labor of love,” Tate said. “We have a large band with lots of brass instruments. That’s what it takes to do Kenton justice.”
Artistry in Jazz features various classically trained musicians and members from New Horizons and the Salvation Army Band. Tate said he had to familiarize younger members with Kenton.
The Cape Fear Jazz Society expects a large turnout for the event, which includes a buffet dinner with vegetarian and vegan options, a cash bar and a dance contest. Dancers in the contest, which will be judged and includes prizes, should be prepared to shag and foxtrot.
Tate says he’s a little too old to get nervous performing anymore but can’t deny the exhilaration he gets while playing.
“It doesn’t matter if you aren’t familiar with Stan Kenton or even jazz,” he said. “If you have an ear for music, then you’ll have a great time.”
The Jazzy Holiday Party will be swingin’ from 6-9 p.m. and tickets may be purchased at the door. Admission is $35 for Cape Fear Jazz Society members and $40 for the public.
