As part of the “A Moment in Time” Series, the Capitol Center Orchestra, under the direction of Clayton J. Poole, will pay tribute to Count Basie on May 19 at 4 p.m. The tribute features drummer and Basie alumnus Butch Miles. The performance will be held at the Capitol Center for the Arts, with tickets starting at $20.
Miles was the drummer for the world-famous Count Basie Orchestra (1975-79 and 1997-2007), and he quickly became renowned for his swinging big band style and techniques. Miles has performed with countless luminaries, including Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, and many others. Miles has performed at every major jazz festival in the world, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Grande Parade Du Jazz in Nice, France, Montreal Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, the Montreux and Bern Jazz Festivals in Switzerland along with many tours throughout Europe, Australia, the Far East, the Americas and the Caribbean. Miles has been a featured performer of the West Coast Jazz Party every year since it originated in 1995. In 1976, Miles played a Royal Command Performance for Her Majesty the Queen of England, which was televised throughout all of Europe. He has recorded more than 100 albums, including four Grammy winners.
Miles and the Capitol Center Jazz Orchestra will play tribute to Count Basie. Basie was one of the most influential band leaders of the swing era. With the exception of a brief period in the early 1950s, he led a big band from 1935 until his death almost 50 years later, and the band continues to perform today. Basie’s orchestra was characterized by a light, swinging rhythm section that he led from the piano, lively ensemble work, and generous soloing. Unlike other band leaders of his time, Basie was neither a composer nor an important soloist – his instrument was his band, which was considered the epitome of swing and became broadly influential on jazz.
Ticket prices: $45 gold circle, $35 orchestra/mezzanine, $20 balcony. Tickets are available now by calling 225-1111, online at ccanh.com, and at the box office, located at 44 S. Main St., on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
