By Tom Cottingham
Features Editor
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s Big Band returns to the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on March 14 at 7 p.m. The show is free and open to the public.
Leslie M. Sabina, Ph.D., will be playing the saxophone along with the band. Sabina, who has attended many BOP performances, has a passion for performing with the band and their music.
“Well…living in a semi-rural area presents challenges for any musician to get out and perform a lot in front of live audiences,” said Sabina. “Especially jazz, and especially with like-minded and ‘top of their game’ musicians who love playing swing and big band hits from the 1930s and ‘40s. It is always rewarding to play for people who come away with a sense of happiness in hearing music that they really enjoy.”
The concert will be laid back, adventurous and non-formal, according to Sabina. “It will not be as formal as a regular Buffalo Symphony classical concert in Kleinhans in Buffalo,” he said. “These symphony players are really well versed in jazz playing too, and they like to get out and stretch on some jazz tunes. Even though we will be wearing black suits (not tuxedos!) the atmosphere will be unpretentious and welcoming.”
According to the Olean Times Herald, BPO bass clarinetist and saxophonist Sal Andolina will again lead an ensemble of nearly 20 performers through tunes popularized by the likes of Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and more. According to the article, popular music will also be played, such as pieces from the film La La Land.
“The music that will be performed was heard on movies such as Whiplash, Swing Kids, The Benny Goodman Story and also capitalized on by performers such as Michael Buble, Harrry Connick, and even Brian Setzer. Lady Gaga is actually a real good jazz singer too,” said Sabina.
For reservations, contact the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at 716-375-2494.
cottintf14@bonaventure.edu
