The Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra and the Lakeland Jazz Impact will come together to present “Swing into Spring” Sunday, May 7, at 4 p.m. in the Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center on Lakeland’s campus.

Ed Michaels will open the concert by leading the Lakeland Jazz Impact in presenting a cheerful set of tunes. They will begin with Oliver Nelson’s “Stolen Moments” before transitioning to Thelonius Monk’s melodic classic, “Straight, No Chaser.” Their repertoire also includes Paul Desmond’s “Take Five,” arranged by Dave Wolpe, as well as “A Little Peace” by accomplished jazz composer David Springfield.

Concluding Jazz Impact’s program is Bill Potts’ 1967 hit, “Big Swing Face,” a powerful composition complete with unique and exciting sound, followed by Dizzy Gillespie’s “Manteca.”

Michaels expresses that this concert will have “a little something for everyone, with a program that includes both timeless jazz classics and modern, more contemporary pieces.”

Under the direction of Demetrius Steinmetz, the Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra will open their portion of the concert with Duke Ellington’s 1939 jazz standard, “In A Mellow Tone.” Following this set is Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s Academy Award-winning composition, “It Might as Well Be Spring,” a fitting title for the season.

The mood of the concert is sure to ramp up as the orchestra moves on to perform lively works including Ryan Kisor’s “Dizzying,” arranged by Bob Washut, followed by Neal Hefti’s “Li’l Darlin’” and Horace Silver’s “Filthy McNasty.”

“Most of the works I’ve selected for the orchestra’s portion of the program were composed between the late 1930s and the 1960s,” says Steinmetz. “My hope is that people will hear these pieces and develop a fascination for the many ways these greats influenced not only American jazz, but music as a whole.”

“Swing into Spring” will be a fittingly fun and foot-tapping performance for the Arts at Lakeland as they near the end of their 85th season.

Concert tickets can be purchased at the box office upon arrival or online at lakelandcc.edu/arts. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and veterans and $2 for students. Online purchasers should bring their order confirmation to show at the door.

The Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center is on the first floor of the D-Building on Lakeland’s campus, located at 7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland, Ohio, 44094, just off the I-90/State Route 306 exit. Free parking is available.

ABOUT THE LAKELAND CIVIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA

The Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra was organized in 1973 under the direction of Charles Frank to provide jazz performance opportunities for Lakeland Community College students and community musicians.

Composed of Lakeland students, amateur musicians and semi-professional players, the Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra consists of a full rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, vibraphone and drums) as well as saxophones, trumpets, trombones and the occasional singer.

Those interested in auditioning may contact Demetrius Steinmetz at dsteinmetz2@lakelandcc.edu.

ABOUT THE LAKELAND JAZZ IMPACT

The Lakeland Jazz Impact is an honors youth jazz ensemble bringing together the finest young jazz musicians in Northeast Ohio and is one of the only groups of its kind in the area. Led by Ed Michaels, it performs on campus, at the Lakeland Jazz Festival, and in recent years has appeared regularly at The Bop Stop at the Music Settlement in Ohio City.

The group welcomes all jazz style instruments including alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trombone, trumpet, piano, guitar, bass and drums.

Jazz students in grades eight through 12 are encouraged to audition for the Lakeland Jazz Impact by contacting Ed Michaels at emichaels@lakelandcc.edu.

ABOUT LAKELAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

For more than 50 years, Lakeland Community College has impacted thousands of lives through learning. Founded in 1967, Lakeland was the first college in Ohio created by a vote of the people. True to its mission, the college provides quality learning opportunities to nearly 8,000 credit students to meet the needs of the community at its campus in Kirtland and online.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, Lakeland offers more than 140 associate degree and certificate programs that may lead to high-demand careers or transfer to four-year institutions. The college also provides access to bachelor’s, graduate and doctorate degrees along with certificates and endorsements, as well as lifelong learning opportunities, on campus through the Holden University Center of Lakeland, in partnership with 11 four-year institutions.

By: Charles Hegedus, Mrktg and Commun Specialist