By Lauren Zazzara
Associate Editor
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) Big Band will perform in the Rigas Family Theater in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Tuesday, March 22. But don’t expect classical music.
The performance, scheduled for 7 p.m., will feature both well-known and contemporary jazz music, according to Leslie Sabina, Ph.D., a music professor and member of the Big Band. The concert is part of the CLAR 209 Jazz Concert Series funded by the Keenan-Martine endowment.
“When you face it, there aren’t really many places in Olean to travel and hear music other than what you’re going to hear around town, whether that be acoustic rock, classic rock,” Sabina said. “Even classical music is pretty covered here on campus with the Friends of Good Music series and other things. As far as jazz goes, there’s really nothing like it. It’s really an experiential opportunity.”
Sal Adolina, a saxophonist for the BPO, will lead the performance. It will feature saxophones, trombones, trumpets, a rhythm section and singer Colleen Williams, a popular performer in the Buffalo and Rochester area, said Sabina. Tunes will include hits such as “Take the ‘A’ Train” and “April in Paris.”
“It’s exciting music,” Sabina said. “There’ll be a variety; there will be vocals and instrumental solos. The concert really isn’t very long; it’s about 65 minutes with no intermission. It’s what we call a ‘quick hit,’ so you’re not going to be there all night if it isn’t your thing, but I think it’s good to experience something to say ‘I’ve heard this type of music.’”
The concert series includes a variety of atmospheres for jazz listening. The Dave Schiavone Quartet performed last semester in the Rigas Family Theater, a more formal venue. Meanwhile, Jazz ‘n Wings performances by Les Sabina and the Sextet, held in the Rathskeller, and the upcoming SBU Jazz Band Spring Big Band Dance on April 21 give a more laid back atmosphere.
“[The series shows] the diversity within just one subset of music,” he said. “There are small groups and large groups, loud sounds, soft sounds, chamber jazz and big band. It’d be pretty boring if all the concerts presented the same type.”
Sabina mentioned that in 1987 Congress deemed jazz a national treasure.
“It’s an important part of our history,” he said. “The level of musicianship in the group is incredible. Many of these players have performed in various groups all around the world. Some really impressive technique.”
Students and faculty are invited to the concert, and there is limited reserved seating for the general public.
zazzarlm13@bonaventure.edu
