February 16, 2010 | Story by: Lindsey Chester | Categories: Music
CARY, NC – The Town of Cary will kick it up a notch on Friday, February 19 when the Cajun flavor of New Orleans is celebrated with the Dukes of Dixieland ensemble. They perform at the Herb Young Community Center as part of the Marvelous Music Series.
“We look forward to celebrating the music that makes New Orleans distinct,”said Performing Arts Coordinator Sarah Preston. “Everyone is invited to come out for a fun cultural experience.”
Dukes of Dixieland concert is the third performance in this year’s Marvelous Music Series 10th anniversary season which draws national performing artists to the area. The Dukes of Dixieland was the voters’ top choice in a season fashioned from previous ticket holders votes.
Who are the Dukes of Dixieland?
Richard Taylor: leader and drummer. Began as a rocker, then moved on to R & B. He has recorded with Chess Records. He moved to New Orleans in 1964 to work with Al Hirt.
Jamie Wight-: trumpet. With annual visits to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival, he finally moved to New Orleans in 1993. One of the original members of the Dukes, he plays many instruments including piano and trombone.
Ben Smith- trombone and vocals. Originally form New Orleans, he began his career playing in the streets at age 9. For 10 years he was a highlight at Disney World’s Main Street USA.
Earl Bonie- clarinet. Long time New Orleans resident he has played in the famed Blue Room with the Bill Clifford Orchestra.
Scott Obenschain- piano. Started playing Dixieland in high school with gigs including Busch Gardens and the M.S Celebration.
John Lutz- bass. He was interested in New Orleans jazz since high school while listening to the original Dukes of Dixieland. He trained at the University of New Orleans under Ellis Marsalis and Bill Huntington.
What to expect:
The Dukes of Dixieland blow traditional jazz and Dixieland into the 21st Century, weaving strands of pop, gospel, and country with authentic New Orleans sounds. They have maintained their preeminent position in their art for four decades, and are the oldest continually-performing jazz ensemble in New Orleans.
From the original group founded in 1949 by the Assunto brothers to the current musicians who keep the sound alive and growing, the Dukes have kept their determination to bring their audiences the very heart and soul of New Orleans- authentic Dixieland jazz.
The Dukes of Dixieland have continued to be on the leading edge of technology, recording the first digital Dixieland jazz album and, most recently, the first Dixieland jazz digital video disc. They continue to stay current with the new release of 2 CDs: Deep South Blues and Fabulous, Symphonic Jazz .
The Dukes of Dixieland will share their authentic jazz and Dixieland sounds at the Herb Young Community Center, off Academy Drive in downtown Cary beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 (adults), $16 (seniors 55 and older) and $56 (family & friends four-pack). Tickets are available at the Community Center or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or (919) 834-4000; tickets will also be available at the door.
For more, visit concerts at www.townofcary.org, or call (919) 469-4061.
More Events Around Town
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