In 2012, the JazzMN Orchestra celebrated “The Big Easy” in one of its most popular concerts. Now JazzMN brings back the traditional jazz, second line brass and a little Cajun funk and blues to warm up the night on Saturday, November 19, 7:30 pm at the Hopkins High School Auditorium with “New Orleans Night,” featuring the band’s own all-star musicians, directed by Doug Snapp. The program will include New Orleans’ classics such as “St. Louis Blues,” “Bourbon Street Parade,” and “King Porter Stomp,” along with music from Harry Connick, Jr., Snarky Puppy, and the Dirty Dozen and Rebirth Brass Bands.
One of the top big bands in the Midwest, the nonprofit JazzMN Orchestra was formed in 1999 to “promote, preserve and perpetuate jazz, America’s indigenous art music, through performance, historical preservation, and education.” The band is directed by founder Doug Snapp and features some of the best musicians in the Twin Cities: Saxophones – Brian Grivna, Pete Whitman, Dave Karr, Dale Mendenhall and Kathy Jensen; Trombones – Michael B. Nelson, Dave Graf, Ethan Freier and Wade Clark; Trumpets – Bob Hallgrimson, Jeff Gottwig, Adam Rossmiller and Dave Jensen; Piano – Mary Louise Knutson; Guitar – Dave Singley; Bass – Terry Burns; and Drums- Joe Pulice.
Remaining concerts on the current season include:
- March 5, Next Gen Jazz (Minnesota Youth Jazz Band, Dakota Combo, LA Urban Renewal Project)
- April 8, Maria Schneider, Guest Conductor
The Auditorium at Hopkins High School is located at 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka. Single tickets are $33 – $31 (adults) and $18 – $10 (students) in advance; $37 – $35 (adults) and $20 – $10 (students) at the door. Advance tickets are available at jazzmn.org/tickets or by calling 800-595-4849
