Saxophonist Chris Vadala "Takes Five" with The Electric City Big Band

Chris Vadala

     The Electric City Big Band will present Take Five with acclaimed saxophonist, Chris Vadala, on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 7:30pm in the Rainey Fine Arts Center at Anderson University.  Recognized as a skilled performer and music educator, Mr. Vadala will also host an open rehearsal for woodwind students of all ages earlier in the day.
     As one of the country's foremost woodwind artists, Chris Vadala is in high demand as a jazz/classical performer and educator. His performing career has been highlighted by a long tenure as standout woodwind artist with the internationally recognized Chuck Mangione Quartet, which included performances in all 50 states, Canada, Australia, Japan, Phillipines, China, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, the Caribbean, and Europe.  His accolades also include performing credits on five gold and two platinum albums, two Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, one Georgie (AGVA) and one Golden Globe Award.  As a performer and recording artist, he has worked with such greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Chick Corea, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Placido Domingo, Sarah Vaughn, Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Henry Mancini, Doc Severinsen, New York Voices, Frankie Valli, and many others. In 2009, he became a member of the Award-Winning Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and has been the first call saxophonist with National Symphony Orchestra for many years.
     Founded in 1982 and performing in the tradition of America's big bands, the Electric City Big Band (ECBB) performs popular, current, and nostalgic selections of music with wide appeal.  Directed by Mr. Alan Nowell, the ensemble performs as part of GAMAC's Anderson Symphony Series and as the headlining act for the USO Sweetheart's Dance. The ECBB is a semi-professional ensemble with professional instrumentalists and seasoned community players teaming up to celebrate big band's uniquely American style.
     Tickets to see Chris Vadala with The Electric City Big Band are just $15 for adults and $7 for students and available by calling GAMAC at (864) 231-6147.  Students and teachers interested in attending the open rehearsal earlier that day are asked to call.