The Des Moines Big Band, which features Drake University faculty and alumni, will open its 2010-11 season with a performance on Monday, Oct. 4.
The concert, which features an eclectic variety of jazz compositions, begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Adventureland Inn, 3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for students. Dinner and drinks are available for purchase all evening.
The ensemble performs at the Adventureland Inn from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Monday from October through May.
James Romain, Drake associate professor of saxophone and assistant director of jazz studies, is the band’s lead alto saxophonist. The ensemble also includes the following Drake alumni:
- Al DeGooyer, trumpet
- Jim Eklof, percussion
- John Morgan, baritone saxophone
- Tom Rankin, trombone
 James Romain performs with the band. |
A fixture of the community for more than 50 years, the Des Moines Big
Band has featured numerous world-renowned guest artists, including Bobby
Shew, Dick Oatts, John Fedchock, Richie Cole and Clark Terry.
The late Jack Oatts, a Drake graduate often referred to as the
“Father of Iowa High School Jazz,” was one of the founders of the band.
As an advocate of jazz education, the band invites Iowa high school
and college student jazz bands to share the stage throughout the season.
For more information, visit www.desmoinesbigband.com or contact Romain at 515-271-3104 or james.romain@drake.edu.