SFCC: Dukes of Dixieland February 18, 2009

The Dukes of Dixieland will perform at South Florida Community College on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., in the SFCC University Center Auditorium, Highlands Campus.

The Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland wear their New Orleans jazz heritage proudly as the globe-trotting jazz ambassadors from the heart of the Big Easy. They are the oldest continuing Dixieland jazz band and have sold out such venues as the Hollywood Bowl, the Kennedy Center, and the Smithsonian.

Bright and brassy or smooth and dark, the Dukes of Dixieland bring time-honored authenticity to all of the hits of Dixie's yesteryear. However, these players are not afraid to mess with tradition; they tout the benefits of injecting fresh blood into an old body of work.

Various members of the Dukes have experience playing with the finest in the business including Duke Ellington, Connie Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Cleo Laine, George Shearing, Lou Rawls, Doc Severinson, Dionne Warwick, and the Four Tops.

The Dukes of Dixieland recorded an album for Bose audio systems to demonstrate the capabilities of their equipment. They play with a fire and grace uncommon for even the hottest New Orleans jazz acts. Bose declared "this music is hotter than a sizzling New Orleans' summer. It has spirit, attitude, and just a bit of dirt under its fingernails."

When not on tour, the Dukes play aboard the Steamboat Natchez on the Mississippi, sailing from the Natchez' dock in the New Orleans' historic French Quarter.

The band members include Earl Bonie (clarinet), Jamie Wight (trumpet), Ben Smith (trombone and vocals), Scott Obenschain (piano), John Lutz (bass), and Richard Taylor (drums/leader).

The 2009 Jazz Series season sponsors include Bill and Lisa Jarrett, Charles and Anne Reynolds, and Highlands Today (media sponsor).

Tickets range from $25 to $27 and may be purchased online at http://performances.southflorida.edu. Tickets may also be purchased Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., by calling the SFCC Box Office at (863) 784-7178 or by visiting the box office at the SFCC Auditorium, 600 West College Drive, Highlands Campus, Avon Park.

Official Website: http://performances.southflorida.edu