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POWELL, Wyo. - On Tuesday, May 5, the Northwest College Jazz Band will perform for local folks the musical stylings that earned it superior ratings and two standing ovations at a recent jazz festival. The music starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Nelson Performing Arts Center Auditorium.
NWC's Jazz Band II will lead off the program, conducted by Craig Olson. Jazz Band I follows, conducted by Neil Hansen.
Not only did Jazz Band I received superior ratings at the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Festival on Saturday, April 25, it also stirred the crowd to two standing ovations, which is far from an everyday occurrence, according to Hansen.
"This (standing ovation) is not done during the daytime festival," Hansen said, "at least I have never seen it happen in my over 25 years attending the festival. If people have not heard this group, I encourage them to attend this end-of-the-year performance. This may be the best jazz band ever here at Northwest College."
Drummer Zach Paris from Cody is one of the reasons for the band's success. He received an Outstanding Musician Award at the same festival for his solo on the "West Side Story Medley," which Hansen refers to as a "monumental work for jazz band - as Beethoven's 9th Symphony is for orchestra." Paris recreates the solo on this piece as it was originally played by Buddy Rich.
Another Cody musician will be featured during the concert, using his voice as his instrument. Aaron Peterman will sing a Michael Buble arrangement of "Moon Dance" with the band.
Admission is free.