2012/2013 Season
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Side Street Strutters
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Swing Ensemble with Female Vocalist
In 1983 a group of talented musicians
attending Arizona State University formed a musical ensemble whose
artistic focus centered around the musical traditions of early New
Orleans jazz. Now, over twenty five years later, the same core members
are still together and have expanded their musical palette to include
over a half century of jazz styles from Dixieland and Blues, to Big Band
Swing and popular standards.
The Strutters have presented formal concerts, symphony pops performances
and student outreach programs in fifty states, seven European countries,
Canada and Mexico. Their superb musicianship and award winning
orchestrations have earned them national and international acclaim: NEA
awarded fellowships and grants; State Arts Council Roster Artists; First
Place Honors, Breda International Jazz Competition, Holland; National
radio and television appearances; International Association of Jazz
Educators Outstanding Musicianship Award; appearances at dozens of
European and U.S. jazz festivals, a guest presidential performance, and
8 CD recordings. In addition to their numerous accolades, they have been
entertaining guests at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA. for 22
years.
In concert, the Strutters borrow from their extensive repertoire of
beautifully crafted arrangements, colorful costumes, tap dancing, and 26
years of showmanship and musicianship to create a fun-filled evening
centered on jazz-America's musical heritage. In 2000, the ensemble took
on the challenge of creating a symphony pops program and has since
shared the stage with major symphonies including Houston, Rochester,
Phoenix, Jacksonville, Pasadena and San Antonio. In celebration of their
25th anniversary, the Strutters went back to their roots and the roots
of jazz by presenting "Back to Bourbon St.," a colorful show embracing
the spirit and festiveness of New Orleans Jazz. Recently the ensemble
unveiled a new program entitled "Shiny Stockings" featuring the vocal
stylings of Meloney Collins. By combining Ms. Collin's sassy yet sultry
personality and soulful voice with the Strutters exciting musical
arrangements, personable humor and showmanship, they have created a
musical theater experience which captures the essential charm and
vibrant energy of the golden age of jazz.