For the City Times

The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra has announced the first concert of the season for the Central Wisconsin Jazz Ensemble.

A Tribute to Gil Evans is scheduled for 7:30 PM, Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 in Michelsen Hall at the Noel Fine Arts Center, UW-Stevens Point. Gil Evans is known for his skill as a jazz pianist, composer, inventive orchestrator, and collaboration with Miles Davis.

Featured on the program will be “Miles Ahead, “Sketches of Spain,” selections from the iconic album, “Birth of the Cool,” and more.

“This isn’t your usual big-band jazz concert as the instrumentation is unique, producing a sound that is more relaxed and free as compared to bebop and swing,” said bandleader Brent Turney, who also chairs the Dept. of Music at UWSP.

The CWJE is a professional 16-piece big band comprising the best performers in Central and Northern Wisconsin, presenting three concerts per season, and featuring big band music, newly-composed works, and outstanding guest artists. The group is managed by the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra with support from the College of Fine Arts and Communication at UW-Stevens Point.

Additional support is from Wisconsin Public Radio, the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tickets are $25 pre-concert or $30 at the door with student pricing at $7 pre-concert and $10 at the door. To purchase tickets and for more information, please visit cwso.org, or call the CWSO office at 715-345-7726.