The Delano Jazz Orchestra will perform at the 22nd annual Great Bend Jazz Festival, to be held Sunday, March 13 at the Crest Theater. Doors will open at 2 p.m., and the Prairie Winds Jazz Combo, made up of local musicians, will entertain at 2:30.
The 18-piece Delano Jazz Orchestra from Wichita, directed by Bill Johnson, will take the stage at 3.
Admission in $15 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are available at the A440 Music Store, 1207 Main, 620-796-2335, or contact Jazz Festival committee member Robert Feldt, 1314 Kansas Ave., at 620-792-3595.
“This the first time we’re scheduling the Jazz Festival on a Sunday afternoon,” Feldt said. The sponsors hope this will appeal to a larger audience.
The Delano Jazz Orchestra has gained a strong reputation in the Wichita jazz community.
“There are some really well seasoned performers in the group,” Feldt said. “They’re very eager to perform here.”
The group’s mission is to present professional level performances of big band jazz, preserving the great sounds of musicians such as Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Count Basie and Stan Kenton.
Over the years, the Jazz Festival at the Crest Theater has been the venue for well known jazz artists, including Grammy Award nominees and winners, with local and internationally known singers and musicians performing a variety of music. Big band music has always been the most popular option, Feldt said. “Our audience enjoys the big band numbers, and that’s what they’ll be treated to at this year’s Jazz Festival. It’s wonderful music that never grows old.”
Sponsors of the Jazz Festival include the Great Bend Kiwanis Club and CUNA Mutual Retirement Solutions.