Alumni from the 1956 – 1978 Stan Kenton Orchestras, plus some wonderful young new members, come together to perform for festivals, clinics, concerts, cruises and dances. The band makes tours around the United States every year. We perform some of the well-known music of the Stan Kenton Orchestra; plus, in keeping with Stan’s insistence on not just performing nostalgia type music, we also perform fresh new material written in the Kenton style, as well as original material written by members of the Band. We are NOT trying to be the “Stan Kenton Orchestra,” but we are carrying on his tradition of dedication to creative music and to jazz education. We have the blessing of Leslie Kenton, Stan’s eldest daughter, who had represented the interests of her father, before her untimely passing. She approved all we are doing with the band to keep the Kenton Legacy alive. Leader Mike Vax has led a big band off and on since his days at College of the Pacific over 50 years ago. A few of his credits include being first trumpet, soloist and road manager of the Stan Kenton Orchestra, as well as being co-leader while Mr. Kenton was recovering from surgery; playing lead trumpet in Clark Terry’s Big Bad Band, leading the Dukes of Dixieland in New Orleans; producing and/or music directing for over 50 jazz festivals; and performing workshops for more than 3000 high schools, colleges and universities all over the world. Mike now lives in Northern Arizona and still travels on the road many months a year. Mike is a signature artist for The Warburton Company and plays Warburton horns and mouthpieces exclusively including the “Vaxinator” Model Trumpet. The goals of the band are to perform meaningful music, talk about the importance of the jazz heritage in America, bring jazz music to young people, and to offer our audiences a relaxed, entertaining atmosphere. FRIENDS OF BIG BAND JAZZ is the support group for The Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra. This nonprofit corporation sends students to summer jazz camps on scholarships, donates funds to high school music programs and youth orchestras, and raises money for many good causes that support music and education. SKLO Personnel Saxophone: Kim Richmond*, Rick Condit*, Alan Yankee*, Gary Anderson, Joel Kaye* Trumpet: Mike Vax*, Dennis Noday*, John Harner*, Jonnathan Dane, TBA Trombone: Scott Whitfield, Dale Devoe*, Paul Young, Kenny Shroyer*, Rich Bullock Piano: Charlie Ferguson Bass: Jennifer Leitham Drums: C.E. Askew Vocals: Scott Whitfield and Ginger Berglund *Alumni of the Stan Kenton Orchestra