The Moraine Valley Community College Jazz Ensemble is continuing its tradition of opening for the professional local big band Brass Tracks Jazz Orchestra on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m., at North & Maple Kitchen + Bar, 18401 N. Creek Drive, Tinley Park.
Since 2007, Doug Bratt, Jazz Ensemble director and Moraine Valley professor of music, started having his group perform in the community in addition to performing on stage at the college. He worked with the Brass Tracks band leader, Tom Fox, to fill a slot before the professional group plays. Brass Tracks, a group of professional musicians and educators, has performed in the south suburbs for over 30 years and regularly books area colleges, high schools and middle schools to open for them.
Moraine Valley’s Jazz Ensemble, comprised of students and community members, has opened for the group every fall for the last 17 years, primarily at the now-closed Hackney’s restaurant in Palos Park. They will play around six pieces they are preparing for their concert on Nov. 22. This will be their first performance of the semester.
“This is a great opportunity for us to play in an environment where many professionals play. It demonstrates the way our students majoring in music will likely find work. We share a stage with the pros and learn from them,” Bratt explained. “It’s also good for our group to get out in the community.”
Attending the performance is free for anyone who attends, and there is no obligation to purchase food.
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.
