We’ve got a brand new season in the works kicking of on September 10th with the Ben Schmidt-Swarz/Nelson Oliva Group – and very special international performance with a special history right here in Kalamazoo.
Keep an eye out this season for… Steve Wilson, Alyssa Allgood, Patrick Langham, Jeff Haas, and Allison Miller & Tic Tic Boom
But first, here’s our first concert!
After more than a decade The Ben Schmidt-Swartz/Nelson Oliva Group is reforming, for one night only, with special collaborators Russ Johnson on trumpet, Christian Dillingham on bass, and Matthew Fries on piano. The band was born in Kalamazoo, back when Ben and Nelson were students here at Western Michigan University. Both have gone on to become significant artists in each of their areas – Ben in Chicago, and Nelson back home in Santiago, Chile. This is an incredible opportunity to hear how these two have grown musically, while knowing that their shared musical foundation is going to bring us a special night of joy and friendship – in the most swinging way imaginable.
The music they will be playing focuses on capturing some of the magic of the golden age of jazz. They will be performing a piece or two from their debut album “Mastermind” and new originals by Ben and Nelson, and will be making an effort to honor Art Blakey, as well as Miles Davis and John Coltrane in their centennials.
Ben and Nelson want to warmly invite and welcome you to this special concert, and they sincerely hope you enjoy an evening of what should be a soulful and joyful reunion!