Chicago Jazz Orchestra feat. Mardra Thomas

The Chicago Jazz Orchestra Summer Residency continues!

In August 1979, the ensemble was the opening band on the first night of the First Annual Chicago Jazz Festival. 45 years later, the CJO stands as not only the oldest professional big band in Chicago, but also the second oldest professional civic jazz orchestra in the United States (second only to the Columbus Jazz Orchestra).

Mardra Thomas is known for her realistic portrayal of Billie Holiday in concert and on the theatrical stage. You will hear a true jazz vocalist with a voice well suited to showcase Holiday’s sculptured phrasing that stamped a signature style on jazz singing. Mardra’s music career was sparked in the St. Louis area when she performed for the opening of Dizzy Gillespie’s 70th Birthday Concert. Shortly thereafter she found herself trading scat solos with world-class trumpeter Clark Terry while performing with the East St. Louis Lincoln Big Band under the direction of renowned educator Ronald Carter.

cjomusic.org

You may also like the following events from Chicago Jazz Orchestra:

• Next Monday, 18th August, 05:30 pm, Chicago Jazz Orchestra Septet: A Tribute to Freddie Green + Vocalist Alyssa Allgood in Chicago
• This month, 25th August, 05:30 pm, Chicago Jazz Orchestra feat. Dee Alexander in Chicago

Also check out other Entertainment events in Chicago, Music events in Chicago, Concerts in Chicago.