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West Texas Jazz Party
May 20, 2016 - May 22, 2016
The West Texas Jazz Party is not a household name in Texas – but it should be! The longest running jazz party in the United States turns 50 in 2016.
When the jazz party began in 1967, tickets were as scarce as hen's teeth. Still, the first group of musicians was a “Who’s Who” of jazz and played for 124 diehard fans. After 49 consecutive years - featuring more than 150 visiting musicians - the West Texas Jazz Society hasn’t missed a beat.
The 50th Anniversary party is May 20-22, 2016 at the MCM Elegante Hotel in Odessa.
Musicians scheduled to perform are:
Cornetists – Ed Polcer, Warren Vaché
Trumpeters – Randy Sandke
Guitarists – Eddie Erickson, Bucky Pizzarelli
Trombonists – John Allred, Dan Barrett
Saxophonists – Harry Allen, Ken Peplowski, Houston Person
Pianists – Johnny Varro, Rossano Sportiello, John Cocuzzi
Bassists – Nicki Parrott, Frank Tate, Joel Forbes
Drummers – Butch Miles, Chuck Redd, Tony Tedesco
Vibraphonists – Chuck Redd, John Cocuzzi
Vocals – Rebecca Kilgore, Nicki Parrott, Eddie Erickson
Founded in 1967 by Odessa Doctor O.A. “Jimmie” Fulcher and local business leaders, the West Texas Jazz Parties of today remain a “must-hear” event for musicians and fans. By unofficial count, there have been about 150 different musicians to attend the West Texas Jazz Parties over the years, and another 100 or so headline musicians to perform at other West Texas Jazz Society events.
Three musicians attending in 2016 have direct links to the original Odessa Jazz Party — Bucky Pizzarelli, Johnny Varro and Ed Polcer. In addition, some "next generation" musicians will also return among a group of 20 world-class jazz musicians.
More Info
Odessa, TX 79762
Phone: 432-552-8962
Email: wtjs1967@gmail.com
Cost: Patron tickets - $225 each (include reserved seating for all performances). General admission (including the Jazz Brunch) is $50 each show. Teachers with a valid ID - half price. Students with valid ID - $5.
Attendance: All ages. Students under high school age with parents only.
Reocurrence: Yearly event
Time: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 7:00 - 11:00, Saturday Brunch 9 - 2
