Lakeland honors legendary jazz artist in spring concert
Posted: April 6, 2018
The Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra and the Lakeland Jazz Impact present “Mingus Among Us” as a tribute to jazz great Charles Mingus in a concert slated for Sunday, April 22, 2018, at 4 p.m. in the college’s Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center, on the main campus at 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, 44094.
Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $2 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the college’s box office on the date of the concert or in advance by calling 440.525.7134 or online through lakelandcc.edu/arts.
About Charles Mingus
Known as the “heir of Duke Ellington,” Charles Mingus is considered one of the most important American composers, even beyond jazz music. In addition to being a prolific composer, he was an inspirational bandleader, talented pianist and virtuoso of the double bass. In his music, he combined the feel of bop with gospel, blues and even classical music to create brilliant songs for midsize ensembles. While he was famous for a fearsome temperament, many musicians relished the opportunity to start their careers as members of his bands. During his career, Mingus played all over the world and with many of the jazz icons, including Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington. His illustrious career included grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, The Smithsonian Institute and the Guggenheim Foundation. Mingus passed in 1979, but his music is still popular today and often played by contemporary jazz musicians as well as students who compete in a music competition named in his honor.
About the civic music programs
Lakeland Community College provides community members the opportunity to express and advance their talents by performing in four music groups: the Lakeland Civic Band, the Lakeland Civic Chorus, the Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra and the Lakeland Civic Orchestra. The college also offers talented high school students Jazz Impact, an all-star high school music group.
For more information about the civic music groups and auditions, contact Jeri Lynn Pilarczyk in Lakeland’s Arts and Sciences Division at 440.525.7261 or email jpilarczyk5@lakelandcc.edu.
Lakeland Community College is located at the I-90 East/ Route 306 exit. Free parking is available.