We are bringing back Skirvin Jazz Club in the biggest way we can. Ladies and gentlemen, we are proud to present, for the very first time, the Park Avenue Big Band.

The June 25th show will introduce a small audience to a big ensemble of OKC’s top jazz musicians. We will be performing arrangements from the legendary band leader, Count Basie.

Doors open at 7pm. Downbeat at 8pm. Show goes ’til the late pm.

Tickets for this premier performance are $100 per seat, and are sold by the table. ($200 for a 2-top, $400 for a 4-top, etc). Tickets go on sale publicly Saturday, June 19th at noon.

The 17-piece band will be lead by saxophonist Brian Gorrell, Director of Jazz Studies at UCO, and organized by multi-instrumentalist/producer Garrison Brown, who will be performing in the trumpet section. The rhythm section will consist of Dave Bowen, Rei Bowen, Kendrik McKinney, and Mitch Bell. The show will be hosted by Christian Pearson and will feature guest performances by Rod Porter and Sarah Maud.

From the 1930s through the 1980s, The Count Basie Orchestra rose to prominence natnionally and internationally, won every respected jazz poll in the world, and was awarded 18 grammy awards.

Before “Count” Basie started his orchestra, he played in the Oklahoma City Blue Devils. The Blue Devils were the premier dance band in the southwest during the 20s. After the Blue Devils disbanded in 1933, many of their members joined Count Basie’s new group. The Oklahoma City Blue Devils were the predecessors to the legendary Count Basie Orchestra.