A concert photo of the JazzMN Orchestra.

The JazzMN Orchestra is a 17-piece jazz ensemble, formed over 20 years ago by Dr. Douglas Snapp.  Its purpose is to “Promote, Preserve and Perpetuate America’s Indigenous Art Music, Jazz.”  It plays both classical arrangements and new compositions.  It has performed with many world-famous musicians, while also reaching out to provide educational opportunities at local schools.

The JazzMN Orchestra regularly performs at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, and on October 2, it will be in concert there with Randy Brecker (dinner at 5:30 pm, show at 7:30 pm).

Trumpeter Randy Brecker is a monumental figure in contemporary jazz, funk, and popular music.  He developed under the influence of Clifford Brown and Miles Davis.  His prominent role in contemporary music includes his contribution to Blood Sweet & Tears in the 1960s, the various Brecker Brothers (with his brother, Michael) albums and tours, and countless other solo, duet, and group projects.  Through the decades, he has also supported great artists across a range of genres, everyone from Frank Sinatra to James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, and Parliament/Funkadelic.

At 77 years old, Brecker’s discography goes back over 50 years (to the great 1969 solo album Score).  He has earned 20 Grammy nominations and 7 Grammy awards.  Among his more recent albums was an upbeat album in 2020 with Eric Marienthal, Double Dealin’. In recent interviews there has been talk of another Brecker Brothers Band Reunion, but on October 2, there will be only one Brecker playing with the JazzMN Orchestra.

It should be an amazing evening:  an opportunity to see both an important Minnesota musical institution and one of the legends of American music.  Don’t miss it!

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Brian Bix

Brian H. Bix (Guest Contributor) grew up in the Twin Cities and is currently a Professor of Law and Philosophy at the University of Minnesota. He has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues.

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