The Ring of Swing
Bringing back the musical tones inextricably associated with the World War II years, the Jonathan Stout Orchestra, featuring Hilary Alexander, presents riff-filled swing sounds.
At times, this band sounds close to the Benny Goodman sextet/septet, with Mr. Stout emulating the great jazz guitarist Charlie Christian.
When Big Bands Were Big
The Stout Orchestra which is only half of the attraction will perform vintage songs for the Courtyard audience, combining elements from many of the great bands of the Big Band Era.
For those who remember the heyday of Peggy Lee and Anita O’Day, the cool song stylings of Ms. Alexander will wind their memories back to those youthful times.
Also on tonight’s card, Mora’s Modern Swingtet, a 7-piece swing band that performs classic jazz and swing tunes from the ’30s and ’40s.
They use period arrangements and transcriptions from the original recordings, including groups such as Artie Shaw’s Gramercy Five, Tommy Dorsey’s Clambake Seven and the John Kirby Orchestra.
Calendar for August
Here is the schedule for the rest of the month:
Thursday, Aug. 9 Direct from Buenos Aires, Los Pinguos, a 5-man group that performs Latin rhythms and Argentine rock.
Thursday, Aug. 16 Swinging’ Gypsy jazz, by the John Jorgenson Quintet.
Thursday, Aug. 23 In the middle of Fiesta La Ballona Week, the popular Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca make a return appearance, entertaining with Afro-Cuban music spiced with a touch of salsa.
Thursday, Aug. 30 In the season finale, going into the Labor Day weekend, another popular attraction comes back to Culver City, the Carl Verheyan Band. They play rock. They play blues. They play country.
Gary Mandell is the producer of the city-sponsored weekly concerts. Free underground parking is available at City Hall.
