Described as “one of the most spirited and technically gifted bands in the country” by the Seattle Examiner, the Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of legendary composer and bassist Charles Mingus. Under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus, this 14-piece band tours extensively in the United States and abroad, and has ten recordings to its credit, seven of which have been nominated for GRAMMYs.

One of the most important figures in twentieth century American music, Charles Mingus was a virtuoso bass player, accomplished pianist, bandleader and composer. He played and recorded with the leading musicians of the 1950′s – Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Bud Powell, Art Tatum and Duke Ellington himself. One of the few bassists to do so, Mingus quickly developed as a leader of musicians. He was also an accomplished pianist who could have made a career playing that instrument. By the mid-50′s he had formed his own publishing and recording companies to protect and document his growing repertoire of original music. He also founded the “Jazz Workshop,” a group that enabled young composers to have their new works performed in concert and on recordings.

After his death, the National Endowment for the Arts provided grants for a Mingus foundation created by Sue Mingus called “Let My Children Hear Music” which catalogued all of Mingus’ works. The microfilms of these works were then given to the Music Division of the New York Public Library where they are currently available for study and scholarship – a first for jazz.  Sue Mingus has founded three working repertory bands called the Mingus Dynasty, Mingus Orchestra, and the Mingus Big Band.

CALENDAR LISTING:

Mingus Big Band

Jazz Orchestra Celebrating the Music of Charles Mingus

Saturday, February 2, 2013, 8PM

Described as “one of the most spirited and technically gifted bands in the country” by the Seattle Examiner, the Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of legendary composer and bassist Charles Mingus. Under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus, this 14-piece band performed Thursday nights from 1991 to 2004 at Fez under Time Cafe in New York City. It maintained weekly residencies in the city from May 2004 until October 2008, when it began “Mingus Mondays” at Jazz Standard, where it alternates with the Mingus Orchestra and Mingus Dynasty. The band tours extensively in the United States and abroad, and has ten recordings to its credit, seven of which have been nominated for GRAMMYs.

Venue: Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University

Cost:  Tickets starting at $38

Contact: 404-413-9TIX (9849) or www.rialtocenter.org

Facebook Event listing: http://www.facebook.com/events/116611841813769/