Cuban Fire!

Presented by Andrew Mott

• Trumpets: Mat Jodrell, Daniel Beasy, Shane Gillard, Mick Fraser, Thien Pham

• Saxes: Rob Simone, Damon Grant, Greg Clarkson, Stu Byrne, Oscar Bruten

• Trombones: Dave Palmer, Chris Vizard, Dan McIlvride, Joe O'Callaghan, Dan Gordon

• French horns: Mel Simpson, Aidan Gabriels

• Percussion: Jethro Negron, Luis Poblete, Sal Persico, Dan Richardson

• Rhythm: Oliver Shute (drs), Ben Robertson (bs), Erica Wright (pno)

For ONE NIGHT ONLY witness the power, colour and spectacle of one of jazz’s most thrilling orchestral works in a very special evening as 25 of Melbourne’s finest musicians perform Stan Kenton’s entire Cuban Fire Suite & other latin hits. All to be re-played from the original Johnny Richards & Gene Roland manuscripts used on the landmark 1956 & 1960 sessions.

The legendary sounds of the Kenton Orchestra were era-defining and changed the course of jazz through their innovative and progressive approach. Audiences will have a unique opportunity to hear this extraordinary music performed LIVE, with its huge brass & reeds, driving percussion, colourful solos and latin fire which has made the work a milestone in jazz history. This is possibly the only time, the complete 11-mvt suite has been played before an audience in 60+ years.

Set within the beautiful Thornbury Theatre, Cuban Fire! captures the lush style and atmosphere of the era, complete with themed cocktails, bar service and cabaret-style table seating.

A bold, glamorous and unforgettable night of classic latin-jazz, Cuban Fire! celebrates the excitement and sophistication of big-band music at its most spectacular.