News & Events

Vanguard Jazz Orchestra plays at SOPAC on November 10
Seton Hall > News & Events 

Thursday, October 15, 2009
by: Susan Kilduff

This 16-piece modern big band, established by Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, continues its 42 year old Monday night tradition at the world famous Village Vanguard night club. Winner of a 2009 Grammy for best large Jazz ensemble, the Vanguard will take a break from its New York City venue with a special performance for Seton Hall University’s Jazz ‘n the Hall Concert Series at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on November 10 at 7:30 p.m.

The New York Times calls the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra “One of New York’s institutions... its strengths are its colors and its soloists.” The Orchestra’s 2009 Grammy is not its first award. The Vanguard’s recording, “The Way – Music of Slide Hampton” won a Grammy in 2004 for “best arrangements for jazz orchestra.”  Their 2005 recording, “Up from the Skies” the music of ensemble’s pianist, composer and arranger, Jim McNeely, was nominated for two Grammys including “ best jazz ensemble.” Their last new recording 'Monday Night at The Village Vanguard' received a Grammy Nomination for the “Best Instrumental Arrangement” and a Grammy Award for the “Best Large Jazz Ensemble.”

For more information please contact:
Gloria Thurmond
(973) 275-2746
Gloria.Thurmond@shu.edu