TOM ROGERS AND SALLY ANDERSON WITH THE BARCLAY PRESENT
BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Step into the golden age of big band jazz with a thrilling twist! Led by acclaimed music director Shelly Berg, Battle of the Bands shines a spotlight on the extraordinary soloists of The Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra in an evening of friendly competition and dazzling improvisation.
 
Drawing inspiration from the legendary Swing Era band battles that electrified dance halls in the 1930s and ’40s, the orchestra divides its personality into rival ensembles that go head-to-head in a spirited musical contest. Our multi-personality ensemble will perform iconic arrangements associated with some of the greatest bands in jazz history—from the swinging sophistication of Count Basie and the rich orchestral colors of Duke Ellington to the explosive virtuosity of Buddy Rich, the driving energy of Woody Herman, the bold innovations of Stan Kenton, and the electrifying high notes of Maynard Ferguson.
 
Along the way, the musicians step out of the section and into the spotlight, unleashing a parade of showstopping solos—sometimes as individual features, sometimes in playful musical duels, or iconic tenor sax battles. The audience becomes part of the action as well, voting throughout the evening to help determine which ensemble claims victory.
 
The excitement builds toward a grand finale, when the winning band performs a signature showpiece made famous by one of the jazz world’s legendary orchestras. Filled with fiery improvisation, historic repertoire, and the joyful spirit of live competition, Battle of the Bands celebrates the virtuosity, camaraderie, and timeless thrill of big band jazz.


ABOUT THE MUSIC DIRECTOR

Shelly Berg —an in-demand music director, bandleader, arranger, composer and pianist—is the artistic director for The Jazz Cruises, artistic advisor for the Jazz Roots series at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami and Dean of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.