Kim Nalley

Kenny Washington

The red-hot Festival Big Band plays the perennially sold-out concert, this year with two vocalists to add to the high energy.  Last year’s Big Band vocalist Kim Nalley returns again this year to set the woods, and the house, on fire.  According to Down Beat, “Sultry voiced Nalley brings an irresistibly sexy sense of swing, rhythmic dexterity and beautiful sound to the classics, with her crisp diction and playful delivery of earthy lines.”  New Orleans native Kenny Washington has a childhood background in gospel, but is at home with the blues as well as jazz.  He can scat with the harmonic daring and rhythmic command of a bebop saxophonist, croon with the simmering soul of Donny Hathaway, and interpret standards with intelligence and emotional commitment.

The Festival Big Band:

Saxophones: Jim Dukey, Jimmy Kraft, Greg D’Augelli, Frances Vaneck; Barbara D’Augelli
Trumpets: Doug Morton, Jim Rodseth, John Capobianco, Josh Reed
Trombones: Don Benham, Tonya Akley, Jeanne Geiger, Matt Hall
Bass: Jerry Watts, Jr.
Drums: Ralph Humphrey
Guitar: Terry Simcik
Piano: Julian Pollack