U.S. Air Force Band jazz ensemble to perform at Carson-Newman, Feb. 3

(Jan. 27, 2015) – Carson-Newman University will host a concert by Shades of Blue, the jazz ensemble from the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America. The Tuesday, Feb. 3, event is free and open to the public. Tickets are required for admission.

“I am really excited to have the opportunity to host Shades of Blue on our campus,” said Pat Bivens, the University’s director of bands, who retired in 2008 from the 590th Air Force Band, Knoxville. “They have so many incredibly talented musicians. I know our students will learn a lot from them and our community will really enjoy the show they will present.”

Shades of Blue is‰Û¬a 18-piece big band with a diverse repertoire of traditional swing, bebop, modern jazz and vocal selections. The group has backed such jazz artists as Tex Benecke, Shelley Berg, Mike Smith and Carmen Bradford.

The ensemble has been featured at sports events for such teams as the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Bucks. They have also recorded for such events as the Macy’s annual Independence Day celebration.

The 7:30 p.m. concert will be held in Carson-Newman’s Gentry Auditorium located in Henderson Humanities Building. Doors open at 7 p.m. Free tickets may be reserved by calling 865-471-3496. Seating is limited.