Bill O'Connell's Chicago Skyliners; Pritzker College Prep Jazz Band

The Chicago Skyliners Big Band featuring Leslie Beukelman was formed by Bill O’Connell in 1988 for the sole purpose of prolonging the musical memory of the Big Band Era. Members of the band in the early days were informed that this was not a major money making proposition, only a mission to keep the big band sound alive. A house band at FitzGerald's since 1991, The Chicago Skyliners Big Band following has grown to become one of the top Big Bands in Chicagoland.

Blue Birdland Jazz recording artists, besides original material, the band features the music of Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Sammy Nestico, Stan Kenton and Maynard Ferguson to name a few. Not your father’s big band music, the Chicago Skyliners feature contemporary arrangements of traditional big band hits. The Chicago Tribune stated, “This group consistently found the ideal tempo, style and phrasing for the scores they played.” Jazziz Magazine said. “The band has a surplus of exceptional soloists coupled with high powered ensemble playing.”

Enjoy the big band swing sounds, America’s greatest contribution to world music history.

http://chicagoskylinersbigband.com

Sponsored by WDCB-FM  (90.9).

Admission is $10, $5 (17 & under).