THE MAGIC OF WESTCHESTER JAZZ ORCHESTRA

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The Music of Dylan, Joni and Sweet Baby James

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Westchester Jazz Orchestra

Now celebrating their milestone 10th season, the 16-piece Westchester Jazz Orchestra has risen to prominence for “strikingly executed performances” (The New York Times). The magic of WJO continues on Saturday, February 2, 8pm at the Irvington Town Hall Theater, as the Orchestra performs “The Music of Dylan, Joni and Sweet Baby James.” Jazz radio personality Gary Walker, long-time Music Director and Morning Show host at WBGO, 88.3 FM, will serve as MC.

Mr. Walker, who has hosted WJO’s concerts since the group’s debut in 2003, lauded the group: “You owe yourself at least one night of absolute joy and musical inspiration at the highest level.”

WJO first achieved national attention with their debut CD, All In (2007), which charted #4 nationally. Maiden Voyage Suite (August 2011) brought the group even more recognition with superlative reviews in DownBeat (“nearly flawless”), AllAboutJazz (“the result is epic”) and the Irish Times (“as near perfection as one could wish for”).

The February 2 concert will celebrate the immortal work of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Carole King and Billy Joel. WJO has commissioned seven new big band arrangements of timeless classics including Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” Taylor’s “Fire and Rain,” Dylan’s “My Back Pages,” and King’s “So Far Away.”

Patrons are encouraged to arrive at 7:15 for WJO’s popular pre-concert chat program, “Open Mike.” Holober, who arranged 3 of the evening’s offerings, will preview the music joined by two additional arrangers, Ellen Rowe, head of . The talk is free for ticket holders.

WJO’s 2012-13 season continues at the Tarrytown Music Hall on April 27 with Special Guest Paquito D’Rivera. WJO’s concerts are partially funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, ArtsWestchester, The Westchester Bank and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music.

Reserved seating tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors and $15 for students. Tickets: www.westjazzorch.org, Theater box office, 877-840-0457. WJO: 914-861-9100.