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The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) kicks off the new Swingin’ with the CJO season with “Lights, Camera, Action!” (October 26-30), a night of music from beloved TV shows and classic theme songs performed by the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. The spotlight will also shine on acclaimed jazz guitarist, and former Tonight Show bandleader, Kevin Eubanks, featuring music from his new release, Zen Food.
Audiences will surely be familiar with Eubanks, having tuned in to see him as bandleader on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. For 18 years, he had one of the most prolific guitar gigs around. Armed with an array of custom Abe Rivera guitars, Eubanks directed one of the most eminent and revered musical establishments on late-night TV.
In the spring of 2010, Eubanks decided to move on, although retirement was the last thing on his mind. His current album, Zen Food, showcases Eubanks’ originality and reputation as a more adventurous guitarist. The album is a step in another right direction for Eubanks, which had already been recorded in his studio by the time he announced his departure from NBC.
Of his album, Eubanks says, “I think it’s a wonderful thing to acknowledge music as being food for your soul. The whole idea of it being Zen is that it’s a state of ‘being,’ not an ambition to become something else. It’s realizing everyone’s fingerprint is unique and expressing that uniqueness with sound, with ideas, with music.”
A Philadelphia native born into a highly musical family, Eubanks first found his love of music listening to fusion and progressive rock. He went on to study at Berklee, developing a musical talent that would lead him to play with such great names as Art Blakely, McCoy Tyner, and Roy Haynes.
In addition to the guitar wizardry of Mr. Eubanks, the Jazz Arts Group also invites music lovers to come enjoy a new twist on familiar songs as the Columbus Jazz Orchestra brings back memories with classic music from favorite TV shows including I Love Lucy, M*A*S*H, and more.
Under the direction of Mark Donavan, the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO) is proud to perform prior to each Swingin’ with the CJO matinee concert. Comprised of premier players in grades 9-12 from central Ohio and beyond, the CYJO provides opportunities for talented high school age musicians to further their experience in America’s classical music – jazz. Admission to the CYJO performance at 1 PM is included with each 2 PM Sunday matinee ticket purchase.
Swingin’ with the CJO season subscriptions are available through the CAPA Ticket Office at 39 East State Street or by calling 614-469-0939. Single tickets are also on sale now for $49 (main floor), $46 (first balcony) and $41 (second balcony) and available through the CAPA Ticket Office and through all Ticketmaster outlets. Student tickets are available for $15 (over 18) and $10 (under 18) with valid ID at the door. For more information call 614-294-5200 or visit http://www.jazzartsgroup.org.
The Swingin’ with the CJO music series is presented by the Westin Columbus with ongoing support from the Ohio Arts Council, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, and The Columbus Foundation. Guest artist sponsorship for “Lights, Camera, Action!” is provided by Time Warner Cable with media support from The Columbus Dispatch, WMNI AM 920, and WOSU Public Media.
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About the Jazz Arts Group:
The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) is America's oldest not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to producing, performing and promoting jazz. JAG is the third largest performing arts organization in Columbus and consists of four focus areas: the Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO), one of the world's finest professional jazz orchestras; the Jazz Academy, JAG's extensive instructional programs educating both students and adults about jazz and American music; Inside Track, a new jazz and blues performance series produced at the historic Lincoln Theatre; and Affiliate Musicians, a program providing employment opportunities for professional musicians.
Launched in August 2010, TheMetropreneur.com is a local online resource devoted to small business development and entrepreneurship. Its aim is to tell the stories of Central Ohio's business community, foster regional economic development and assist entrepreneurs with its resource-heavy focus.