For the past 22 summers, the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra has brought multi-generations together on the lawn at Devou Park.
On Saturday, the tradition continues with a performance for the whole family to enjoy, outdoors, on the lawn, at the historic Devou bandshell — with ‘Catching the Sun,’ 70s-80s smooth jazz from a laid-back time.
Come out to lay-back, and enjoy.
The KSO has performed a variety of musical genres that have all but disappeared from live performance (Spike Jones, Ragtime, Vaudeville, etc).
Continuing this nostalgic niche programming, on August 6 at 7:30 p.m., the Symphony serves up tasty, smooth and crossover jazz by iconic names — Chuck Mangione, Spyro Gyra, Deodato and Chick Corea.
“These tunes and artists were heard everywhere in the 70s and early 80s.” said KSO Music Director James Cassidy. “It was kind of our collective instrumental sound-track for a more laid back time.”
The program offers several Spyro Gyra hits (“Morning Dance,” “Catching the Sun” and “Heliopolis”) by Jay Beckenstein, who was the reed man for the group. Steel drums, marimba along with rhythm and sax created Spyro Gyra’s signature sound, and infused their tunes with a breezy tropical flavor.
Chuck Mangione’s 1978 concert and live recording at the Hollywood Bowl was dubbed “A Night of Magic.” The KSO replaces the LA Phil with a slightly scaled down accompaniment of these fabulous Mangione tunes — “Feels So Good,” “The Hill Where the Lord Hides,” “Land of Make Believe” and “Children of Sanchez.”
Brazilian Emuir Deodato’s funk/jazz fueled version of Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra rocketed to #2 on the Billboard Hot-100 singles chart in 1973, and won the Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental. Chick Corea’s rhythmically-catchy tune “Spain” has become a jazz standard.
The depth of the Greater Cincinnati talent pool is one of the reasons that the KSO founder J.R. Cassidy started the orchestra 24 years ago this month.
“You can’t begin to play this music without musicians who get it, know it and have played it. This music is really all about style.” Cassidy said.
The Phil DeGreg trio (including pianist Phil DeGreg, bassist Aaron Jacobs and John Taylor on drums) propels the band along with Brad Myers on guitar and Brian Malone on assorted percussion. Side men Hal Melia, reeds, Rob Parton, flugelhorn, and Dominic Marino, trombone headline the crew fronting the KSO for this show, which will make cloud and star-gazing both a sonic and visual treat.
Picnics are welcome, and Buona Vita Pizzeria food truck will be on hand serving meatball sliders and more.
Guests can also phone-in catered orders and pick them up in the park (menu on-line kyso.org/buona-vita-in-Devou).
Join Music Director James Cassidy for the Symphony’s 22nd Summer in Devou Park, Saturday, August 6 at 7:30 p.m.
The TANK Shuttle from Covington Catholic to the band shell runs from 6-7:30 p.m (returning after the concert) for $1 each way. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Free admission and parking. For more information see the website or call 859.431.6216.
