Among the most sought after jazz trombonists in the world, Ellington Orchestra alum Art Baron has played with everyone from the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra to Stevie Wonder. He’ll bring his 8-piece orchestra, the Duke’s Men, to MASS MoCA for a swinging big band dance party on Friday, April 21, at 8 P.M. They’ll set toes tapping with a lively set of standards and special arrangements of Ellington classics like "Take the A Train," "Sophisticated Lady," and "Mood Indigo."
Best known for his prowess as a trombonist, Arthur Baron is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who has performed with Wayne Horvitz's NY Composers Orchestra, Paul Gonsalves, Russell Procope, Ray Nance, Harry Carney, and Cootie Williams. Currently he leads The Duke's Men, an ensemble of Duke Ellington alumni. Baron has composed for dance groups and jazz ensembles, including a commission from the Musicians of Brooklyn Initiative (MOBI) New Music Ensemble.
Doors will open at 7 P.M. for those who would like to grab a good table. Beverage and bar service will be open at that time and Lickety Split will be offering a range of dinner selections. Dance instruction, arranged by Jacob’s Pillow, will begin at 8 for those who need a refresher course in swing dance moves. Arthur Baron and the Duke’s Men will take the stage at 8:30.
Dance Instruction is provided by MASS MoCA favorites Kevin Gaudin and Mickie Davidson who have taught at a number of MASS MoCA swing events. Gaudin and Davidson will also host a special swing dance class for kids on Friday, April 21 at 11 AM. "We usually hold kids events on Saturday mornings," said Sue Killam, MASS MoCA’s general manager, "but since this is school vacation week, we thought a class on a Friday morning would give families a great reason to come to MASS MoCA and burn off some energy at the end of the break."
Tickets for the Big Band Dance Party with Arthur Baron and the Duke’s Men are $14 in advance or $17 the day of the show. MASS MoCA has added a special price of $8 for kids under 12. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams from 11 A.M. until 5 P.M. (closed Tuesdays). Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased anytime at www.massmoca.org. (Member discount tickets are not available on-line.)
The event is part of the Williamstown Jazz Festival which takes place from April 14 – April 23 in Williamstown and North Adams. Highlights include: Craig Harris’s God’s Trombones on April 14, a gospel concert with the Boyer Brothers, and Stefon Harris and Blackout on April 22 plus several dance classes throughout the week including the one for kids at MASS MoCA on Friday, April 21 at 11 A.M. More information is available at www.williamstownjazz.com.
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