The University of North Alabama’s Department of Music performed their annual Valentine’s Day concert called “Lost in Love” on Feb. 16. Tickets were $15 for general admission, but free for students using Campus Groups.
The proceeds of the concert are going towards supporting UNA’s Marching Band performing in the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade this fall.
The concert featured UNA’s Studio Jazz Band and the Shoals Area Big Band. Both were directed by Dr. Lloyd Jones.
Guest vocalists were also brought out to perform with each group about every other song. All of the guest vocalists were alumni of UNA band, and most were in leadership positions.
The Shoals Big Area Band is made up of music educators, with some being UNA alumni.
The concert opened up with the Shoals Area Big Band performing “Big Band Swing.” It was composed by Bob Lowden and featured solos by Ricky Burks on tenor saxophone, Dr. Jimmy Simpon on alto saxophone and Rob Stout on trumpet.
Next, they performed “Summertime” composed by George Gershwin. This featured soloist Dylan Mashburn on trombone.
The third song they performed featured the first vocalist, Melissa Daniel, performing “Sway” composed by Pablon Ruiz.
Next performed was “C-Jam Blues,” composed by Duke Ellington. It featured soloist Dylan Mashburn on trombone, Ricky Burks on tenor saxophone and Joe Stallworth on piano.
Next was “Harlem Nocturne” which was composed by Earl Hagen. It featured soloist Dr. Jimmy Simpson on alto saxophone.
“Old Black Magic” was performed next, and this was composed by Mercer/Arlen with no featured soloist or vocalist.
The group then performed “How Sweet It Is’’ composed by Edwards Holland, bringing Melissa Daniel back out for a vocalist feature.
Daniels stayed on stage to also perform in “I’m a Woman” composed by Liber and Stoller.
“St. Louis Blues” by W.C. Handy was performed with solos by Jimmy Simpson on clarinet, Dylan Mashburn on trombone, Ricky Burks on saxophone and Joe Stallworth on piano.
The Shoals Area Big Band ended their segment with “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Louis Prima, featuring Jimmy Simpson on clarinet, Ricky Birks on tenor saxophone and Mitch Rigel on the drums.
After a 10 minute intermission, Dr. Lloyd Jones brought out UNA’s Studio Jazz Band.
Raffle tickets were given out at the doors. In between songs performed by UNA’s Studio Jazz Band, tickets were drawn and five prizes were given away.
The prizes were two large flower arrangements, a massage voucher, a one-night hotel stay with lunch and dinner provided and a $50 gift card.
UNA’s Studio Jazz Band opened up their segment of the concert with “Lover” by Rogers & Hammerstein. It featured a saxophone section and Simon Edwards on piano.
“For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder was played next, featuring vocalist Emmaline Tyree and Solomon Heinkel on alto saxophone.
The flute section was featured in the next performance in “Yakety Flutes” by Rich & Randolph.
Next performed was “Choo Choo Ch’ Boogie” by Denver Darling and Milt Gable. This featured Melissa Daniel as vocalist, Simon Edwards on piano and Soloman Heinkel on alto saxophone.
“That’s Life” by Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon was performed next, featuring Keith Anderson as vocalist.
Next with vocalist Hannah Jacobs, the band performed “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Bon Creww and Bob Gaudio.
“At Last’’ by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren was performed next. It featured Holli Jacobs as vocalist and Nathan Curry on clarinet.
Next performed was “Straighten Up and Fly Right” by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills, featuring Kayla Flannagan Sims as vocalist.
“Jambalaya” by Hank Williams was performed next with vocalist Kelli Pearl, who also played a flute solo.
The final song performed was “Tuxedo Junction/Hamp’s Boogie” by Erskin Hawkins/Lionel Hampton. This song featured soloist Micheal Vinson on trumpet, Gannon Mcnees on trombone, Simon Edwards on piano and Nathan Curry on clarinet.
The concert ended when Dr. Jones thanked everyone for attending the performance and supporting both bands.
