Jazz will fill the air of the Edmonds Center for the Arts Sept. 26 as the second season of performances in the refurbished auditorium opens with the Side Street Strutters.
Side Street Strutters are known for their innovative jazz style, reworking old traditional favorites into new entities. Their repertoire encompasses over half a century of jazz styles, and their retro show-style presentation includes colorful costumes, a stage set, tap dancing, vocal selections, novelty numbers, and the use of rare and unusual musical instruments.
Formed in 1983 by a group of young musicians at Arizona State University, Side Street Strutters artistic focus has centered around the musical traditions of early New Orleans Jazz. Exploring the colorful nuances and creative challenges of this indigenous American art form, the Strutters pay tribute to the quaint little side streets where jazz was first heard in the French Quarter.
Shortly after the ensemble’s inception, the Strutters were accepted onto the Arizona Commission for the Arts Touring Roster and represented the state at the Cervantino International Music Festival in Mexico. They soon earned first place honors at the International Association of Jazz Educators Jazz Competition, made numerous television appearances including the Today Show, the Merv Griffin Show, and the Jerry Lewis National Telethon, and accepted an invitation to perform for former President Reagan at the White House. The ensemble’s jazz style and audience appeal led them to Disneyland in California, where they have performed since 1985.
Since that time the Strutters have also extensively toured Europe, earning honors at numerous international honors 1993. More recently the ensemble has embraced two new musical challenges as they debuted their Symphony POPS Orchestra program and completed their seventh CD recording project.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
