SUTTONS BAY -- After showcasing top pianists five years in a row, this summer's Suttons Bay JazzFest will return to its earlier big band tradition -- complete with vocalist and parquet dance floor.
The popular JazzFest returns to the Suttons Bay waterfront July 26 with headliner the Chris Copeland Big Band featuring vocalist Claudia Schmidt and JazzFest founder and clarinetist Harry Goldson. The event takes place from 1-9 p.m. under the big tent at Suttons Bay Marina Park and features performances by a half-dozen jazz acts as well as food and wine from the Leelanau Peninsula.
While recent festivals have starred jazz pianists like Marcus Roberts, Bob James and Marian McPartland, the 16th annual event is a throwback to festivals of the '90s, known for showcasing big bands with dancing for guests.
"Having had so many requests every year from jazz fans who enjoy dancing as well as listening, JazzFest is bringing back the big band tradition," festival co-founder Piper Goldson said in a press release.
The Michigan-based Chris Copeland Big Band was formed to preserve the charts created during the prime years of the swing band era. Made up of musicians who have toured and recorded with major jazz and pop groups, the 17-piece swing band recreates the sounds of the big bands as they were intended using original arrangements from Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, the Count Basie Band, Duke Ellington's Orchestra, the Benny Goodman band, Woody Herman's Herd and Glenn Miller's dance orchestra among others.
The festival also will include performances by the Tad Weed Trio; the Betty Joplin Quartet; the Hay, Cooper, Van Lente Group; and Big Noise with Sam Faught.
Tickets are $30 at the gate and $20 in advance at the Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau and at area booksellers and other merchants. Proceeds will fund Suttons Bay community projects and music camp scholarships for Leelanau County students like Faught, a former scholarship winner.
For more information, call 271-4444.
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