Cornet Chop Suey

×

Expand

cornetchopsuey.com

The members of Cornet Chop Suey in suits with invisible instruments.

Cornet Chop Suey

media release: As the Madison Jazz Society begins its transition to concentrating on its education mission through its School Grant and School Residency programs, the group will present Cornet Chop Suey from St. Louis on Sunday, September 18, in the first of its final six concerts being held in 2022-23.

President Linda Marty Schmitz stated, “Named after an obscure Louis Armstrong composition, Cornet Chop Suey has enjoyed a rapid rise and long tenure since 2001 when they performed for the first time at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. Cornet Chop Suey applies its own exciting style to traditional jazz, swing, blues and "big production" numbers. Every performance by the band is a high-energy presentation and is always a memorable experience for the audience.”

The band is best known for a wide variety of styles. The band has toured across the country playing at various festivals including the Society’s Capital City Jazz Fest, and performances in Europe, South America, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and Germany, among others.

The band’s front line with Brian Casserly on trumpet, Jerry Epperson on reeds and Brett Stamps on trombone is driven by a powerful rhythm section consisting of Rick Zelle on piano, Jay Hungerford on bass and John Gillick on drums.

The concert will be held at Funk’s Pub & Bar, 5956 Executive Drive, Fitchburg, from Noon-3 PM, with doors opening at 11:30 AM.  Ticket price: $15-MJS members; $20-non-members and those age 18 & younger-free. More information is available on the Society’s web site, www.madisonjazz.com.

More on the season: When it was formed in 1984, the Madison Jazz Society had as its mission, “…encourage the performance of and education about jazz.”  In 2021, it was announced that MJS would cease the performance portion of its activities and transition to concentrating on its education mission through its School Grant and School Residency programs.  The new MJS format will be led by five members of the present Board of Directors and others interested in its purpose.

Before the transition is completed in June 2023, MJS will present six concerts in 2022 and 2023.  President Linda Marty Schmitz stated, “These events will jazz friends who have appeared on the MJS stage previously and who we are pleased to welcome back to end our run of presenting jazz in Madison in grand style.”

Those who will perform are:

    September 18 – Cornet Chop Suey from St Louis

    October 30 – St Louis Stompers from St Louis

    February 19 – West End Jazz Band from Chicago

    March 19 – Groovus from Tennessee

    April 16 – Midiri Brothers Jazz Sextet from Pennsylvania

    May 21 – Bob Schulz’s Frisco Jazz Band from California

All concerts will be held at Funk’s Pub & Bar, 5956 Executive Drive, Fitchburg, from Noon-3 PM, with doors opening at 11:30 AM.  More information is available on the Society’s web site, www.madisonjazz.com, and will be announced closer to each concert.