Dizzy Gillespie Band Headlines New Trier Jazz Fest

by Erin Gallagher

Tickets are on sale now for the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band performing at the New Trier Jazz Festival Feb. 7.

Tickets are $30 and are available at www.ntjazz.com or at the door, according to a school press release.

“This All-Star Band, a legacy of the legendary Dizzy Gillespie, includes several jazz legends in their own right, including Jimmy Heath, Cyrus Chestnut, Antonio Hart, and musical director John Lee, among other tremendous talents,” the release said.

The festival will also host nearly 50 visiting high school and middle school jazz ensembles from around the country. Students will perform for world-renowned jazz clinicians, attend workshops, master classes and enjoying concerts.

All the daytime events are free and open to the public. They include Luke Malewicz Quintet at noon, the Jazz Directors’ Big Band at 2:45 p.m., Master classes at 3 p.m. conducted by members of the Gillespie All-Statr Big Band, and the clinicians pro jam at 4 p.m.

The band headlines the 32nd Annual Frank Mantooth New Trier Jazz Festival. It is held at the New Trier High School Gaffney Auditoriaum, 385 Winnetka Avenue.