Saturday, July 24, 2021---- This month on LAMusArt Live!, the Fabulous Esquires Big Band took center stage and took us back to the Swing Era of the 1930’s and 1940’s. From the comfort of our own homes we were able to enjoy beloved classic jazz and swing standards performed by the 14 piece orchestra with vocalists, Kathleen Jequinto and Dan Fryer, and guest swing dancers Time2Swing, Adolfo and Cat.
The Esquires began the show with a bouncy number, “Leap Frog” that was sure to get people's feet tapping. Dancers Adolfo and Cat provided their dancing talents and gave us a small glimpse into what dance halls might have looked like in the Swing Era. Keeping the energy high, vocalist Kathleen joined the band for their upbeat take on “Fly Me to the Moon”. As the show progressed, Dan Fryer joined the band lending his smooth baritone voice to songs such as “Taking a Chance on Love”. Next, “Orange Colored Sky”, which tells of the moment when someone is awestruck by someone at first sight, was a standout performance, with singer Kathleen Jequinto adding a playful energy to an already spirited and dynamic number.
The lyrics from tunes such as “Come Fly with Me” filled the audience with excitement for the future and the much needed adventures to come. It was easy to imagine swing dancing along in the sky with the band. Songs like “The Queen Bee” showcased a different side of swing, one that is more bluesy and moody, a sound typical of Count Basie’s big band. Adolfo and Cats dancing highlighted this mood, with their slinky movements that made them look like they were gliding on oiled shoes. In this tune we heard a pleasant guitar solo that provided some contrast to the brass heavy sounds of swing.The show ended with a lively duet version of the great jazz standard, “All of Me”. The two vocalists were also joined by two saxophone solos by Darren Atkins and Ben Sachs and the final number ensured that the Esquires ended the show on a high note.
This performance presents an ode to the past while allowing us to reimagine what music from the past looks and sounds like in a present day context. If interested in orchestral music, we invite you to learn more about both our music lessons and tuition free ensembles by visiting lamusart.org/programs. Classes are offered Monday through Thursday, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please see below for more details about our programs and a complete schedule of classes. Click on the registration link to submit your information, and one of our scheduling staff members will contact you to get you all set up! Join us every second Saturday of the month for more dynamic performances. The performance for the month of August features hip-hop fusion dance company Versa. RSVP today at www.LAMusArt.org/season.
The versatile venue for sharing music expands our reach from LAMusArt’s stakeholders of families and students while inviting arts supporters and patrons from all over the world to attend. LAMusArt's mission is to provide the community of East Los Angeles with equitable and affordable access to multidisciplinary arts education programs and offer opportunities for underserved youth to partake in quality instruction regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status so they are afforded creative tools for success and social change.
The 2021 Swing: Esquires Big Band is currently available to stream on LAMusArt’s YouTube Channel and at www.LAMusArt.org/season. Students interested in the music program can learn more about various classes at www.LAMusArt.org/music.
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