WPAA
Back to Western Plains Arts Association is Queen City Jazz Band. The traditional jazz band was founded in Denver more than 60 years ago, and is recognized across the nation for playing outstanding traditional, Dixieland, gospel and spiritual music. The group has also toured widely across Europe.
Colby High School will host Queen City Jazz Band, at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 14. Admission is by season ticket or adults $20, students $10 at the door.
In addition to businesses and individual donors across northwest Kansas, Queen City Jazz Band is made possible through special funding by the Dane Hansen Memorial Foundation, Lenora; the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, Bird City; and the Thomas County Community Foundation.
Bill Clark, tubist and band leader, joined the QCJB in 1976 and became the leader in 1985. A retired University of Colorado music professor, Clark set a goal while a 1960's high school student to one day play in the already popular band. Band members come from strong music performance and/or music eduction background and all have played with a number of local bands prior to joining QCJB. Instrumentalists include Kevin Bollinger, trumpet; John Bredenberg, clarinet and saxophone; Eric Staffelt, trombone; Hank Troy, piano; Rory Thomas, banjo; and Tony Pantelis, drums. Their gospel, blues and jazz vocalist Wende Harston has sang with the band since 1992.
The band has released numerous recordings over the years. Visit QueenCityJazzBand.com for further information about the musicians and music, pictures and video samples.
Ball in the House, and R&B group originally scheduled this date, canceled their 2021 spring season because the on-going pandemic. The WPAA board appreciates QCJB for agreeing to perform at the same March 14 time. Colby High School is an alternate venue than originally scheduled.