Jazz Orchestra to kick off summer with concert

The Knox Community Jazz Orchestra brings its swinging sound back to Ariel Foundation Park on Sunday, May 24, announcing the unofficial start of summer. The free concert begins at 5 p.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center.

Music lovers who have followed the local big band since it debuted in 2017 can expect to hear not only some old favorites from the Swing Era but also several Latin-influenced arrangements that the group has added to its repertoire.

As a Memorial Day Weekend tribute to military personnel who have fought and died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, the jazz orchestra will play “Armed Forces Salute,” in addition to familiar classics like Billy Strayhorn’s “Take the ‘A’ Train,” George Gershwin’s “Summertime (Down South),” Frank Foster’s “Shiny Stockings,” and many others.

“Our first performance was at Ariel Foundation Park,” said Ted Buehrer, a music professor at Kenyon College who leads the 18-piece big band and also plays trumpet. “We’re in our ninth year now, and we’re always grateful to be back at the park. From the start, we’ve always wanted to showcase the talented musicians in our area. We know each other well by now, and our sound is that much sharper and more cohesive.”

Concert goers may use the park's chairs or bring their own. For more information, visit www.arielfoundationpark.org or follow the park on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.