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Information provided by Keith Whitford
This Wednesday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m., the Kokomo Park Band (KPB) will present “Basie, Straight Ahead” as its annual Big Band Night event in Highland Park. The concert is sponsored by Primrose Retirement Community of Kokomo.
Dr. “Mo” Trout, Director of Purdue Jazz Bands (retired), will lead the hybrid group of musicians consisting of KPB players and some of the Midwest's finest jazz performers. The free program, one of the most popular of the season, represents several decades of swing and big band jazz and features vocalist Cherresa Lawson.
Coloring materials will be provided for kids, and the Serving in Love Team from Morning Star Church will provide refreshments. The Kokomo High School Auditorium is the backup location in the event of bad weather.
Dr. Trout returns as conductor of KPB’s Big Band Night on several occasions, most recently in 2023 and 2019. He recently capped a remarkable 27-year journey as Director of Jazz Studies at Purdue University. Under his visionary leadership, Dr. Trout transformed the Purdue Jazz program into a powerhouse of talent, fostering a vibrant environment that nurtured young musicians.
His passion for jazz extended far beyond the classroom. A gifted conductor and performer himself, Dr. Trout led his ensembles on international tours, captivating audiences at prestigious festivals like Montreux and North Sea. These tours weren't just performances; they were cultural exchanges, with Dr. Trout even organizing study abroad programs to enrich his students' understanding of the global jazz landscape.
Purdue Jazz Bands, under Dr. Trout's baton, collaborated with a who's who of jazz legends, including Bill Watrous and Bob Mintzer. These collaborations provided invaluable learning experiences for his students, allowing them to share the stage with the very artists who inspired them.
Dr. Trout's dedication extended beyond his own ensembles. He actively served as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor, sharing his knowledge and love for jazz with countless aspiring musicians throughout the United States. Dr. Trout's legacy at Purdue is one of artistic excellence, deep commitment to his students, and a tireless dedication to the art form he loved.
The concert celebrates the legacy of the legendary bandleader and pianist, Count Basie, whose music continues to define the very essence of swing. Basie's innovative approach to big band arrangements revolutionized the genre. Beyond the smooth melodies and driving rhythms, Basie's music pulsated with a life all its own.
His orchestra, renowned for its precision and unmatched rhythmic interplay, transcended racial barriers in a segregated America, fostering a sound that united audiences.
Selections include “The Heat's On,” “The Spirit is Willing.” “The Queen Bee,” “Soft as Velvet,” “Makin' Whoopee,” “Hay Burner,” “Basie Straight Ahead,” and “Magic Flea.”
Cherresa Lawson will be featured on “HoneySuckle Rose,” “Only You,” and “You Can Have It.” She is director of the award-winning Kokomo High School choirs. Under her dedicated leadership, her KHS Vocal Jazz Ensemble earned State Finalist honors in 2022 and 2023.
Ms. Lawson received a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Ball State University and has been active not only as a teacher but also as a performer and conductor in Kokomo Civic Theater, as a soloist at Second Missionary Baptist Church, and as an active jazz artist. She has been a vocal finalist in the American Traditions Competition in Savannah, Georgia and continues to be invited to perform at the annual event.
Cherresa has performed jazz, blues, and pop music at numerous venues across the Midwest. In December 2021, she produced and performed a Kokomo Symphony Mini Concert, featuring herself and top jazz artists from Chicago and Indiana.
Other notable musicians include Kokomo’s own bassist Bethany Robinson who has recently been appointed as the new Director of Jazz at Purdue University. She was Director of Jazz Bands at Noblesville High School, a 2022 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Finalist, a 2022 JJA Jazz Hero, and 2023 Indiana Music Educator of the Year.
Rounding out the rhythm section will be local pianist Tim Edwards and percussionist Art Reiner on drum set.
The concert is part of the weekly Summer Concert Series presented in cooperation with the Kokomo Parks Department, the Community Foundation of Howard County, the Center Township Trustee, the Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation, the Arts Federation in cooperation with the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, and American Legion Post #6.
This concert is made possible by the generous donations from individuals and area businesses who are fans and supporters of the band. Contributions should be sent to Kokomo Park Band, P.O. Box 6039; Kokomo, IN 46904-6039. More information can be found on the band's website: www.kokomoparkband.org and on Facebook.