The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble Coming Feb.2nd!

A "free*" concert by the Air Force "Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble" is coming Monday evening, at 7:30 PM, February 2nd to the Princess Theatre.  This is an evening's entertainment, sponsored by the Princess Theatre Foundation, and Roane State Community College Arts and Lecture Departments, that is sure to please the whole family!

The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble is a group of 18 professional enlisted musicians whose repertoire ranges from traditional big band jazz, to bebop and swing, to modern jazz. At one of their concerts, you are just as likely to hear the music of contemporary composers as you would the classic sounds of Count Basie or Glenn Miller.  Several of the band's members are also gifted composers and arrangers, and their compositions are often featured in concert.

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.  Furthermore, the ensemble is often requested for featured performances at jazz clinics and festivals throughout the country.

Occasionally, the Shades of Blue marches onto home plate to perform national anthems for Chicago White Sox Major League Baseball games, or onto center court to perform for Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks National Basketball Association games.  They also pay frequent tribute to the Air Force's musical heritage, and have collaborated with actor Wilford Brimley on a highly acclaimed salute to Major Glenn Miller.

Whether performing for a head of state, before a capacity crowd in northern Wisconsin, or for our troops at home and abroad, the Shades of Blue reflects the heritage and pride of our great nation and the United States Air Force.

A special "thank you" goes out to Zack Williamson, Kingston High School Band Director, for his assistance in putting this event together.  Without his creative thinking and endeavor, would not have been possible.

Mr. Williamson has served as director/conductor of the Roane County School Band since 1988. Prior to assuming duties at RCHS, he served as band director at Greenback High School for two years and Lewis County High School for one year. 

For over 20 years he has served his country as an active member of the 572nd Air Force Band (Tennessee Air National Guard).
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*Even though this is a "free" event, tickets must be obtained in order to assure seating.  Tickets will be made available at the usual locations: Rocky Top General Store and Harriman Jewelry Exchange.  They should have tickets sometime next week, so call ahead to ensure availability.