Live Jazz, Lakeshore History: Big Band Bash

About the Event

Come out for an evening of Live Jazz and Lakeshore History with the Lakeshore Jazz Connection and Saugatuck-Douglas History Center.

The sound of soaring horns, swinging rhythms, and jazz history comes alive in downtown Saugatuck as Lakeshore Jazz Connection presents “Big Band Bash” featuring the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra led by Dr. James Sawyer on Saturday, June 13th at the historic Saugatuck Woman’s Club, 303 Butler Street, Saugatuck. Come at 6:30 for a history program on the Saugatuck Jazz Festival as an opening act to the 7:30 performance of Big Band classics.

This high-energy evening promises a powerful celebration of big band jazz performed by one of Michigan’s premier jazz ensembles, the acclaimed Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra. Audiences can expect an electrifying night of classic swing, bold improvisation, and unforgettable jazz favorites in a concert setting atmosphere.

Tickets are $20, $5 for students with ID and may be purchased at the door beginning at 6:15 PM the day of the concert or online at www.lakeshorejazzconnection.org. Student tickets must be purchased at the door.

Rare Duke Ellington History Comes to Life Before the Concert

Before the music begins, audiences are invited to a special FREE pre-concert event at 6:30 PM exploring a remarkable piece of local jazz history: Duke Ellington’s little-known 1960 performance in the Saugatuck area.

The discussion panel will feature:

• Eric Gollannek of the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center
• Lazaro Vega of Blue Lake Public Radio
• Jim Cooper LJC President and Artistic Director

A rare audio recording from the original concert will be shared, and audience members are encouraged to contribute memories or stories connected to the historic event.

Saugatuck has a rich history with venues like the Big Pavilion, the Blue Tempo, Billie’s Bathouse and Coral Gables which featured live jazz. In the early 1960s, several Saugatuck Music Festivals featured the likes of Duke Ellington, Ira Sullivan, Dave Brubeck, Carmen McCrae, Ramsey Lewis and many more. Lakeshore Jazz Connection was created in 1993 and though disbanding in 2016, the founders are celebrating the anniversary with live jazz and sharing memories of those years of hosting concerts, mostly at the Saugatuck Woman’s Club.