FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 23, 2004

SFA jazz bands to present "To Swing is the Goal"

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS -The Stephen F. Austin State University Swingin' Axes and Swingin' Aces will remain true to their names during their upcoming concert, "To Swing Is the Goal," at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, in W. M. Turner Auditorium.

The jazz bands will perform a variety of works that can be classified as Swing Music.

Debbie Dalton, SFA associate professor of music, will be the featured vocalist on the Swingin' Aces' rendition of Cole Porter's "Easy to Love" and Spencer Williams' "Basin Street Blues." The ensemble is directed by Deb Scott, SFA assistant professor of music.

Under the direction of Gary Wurtz, SFA assistant professor of music, the Swingin' Axes will perform several works by Darrell Holt, former associate professor of music at SFA who died in 2000.

"Not long before Darrell?s untimely death, he produced some beautiful new and original songs for a friend named Bill Burleson. Although Darrell never got to perform them with the Swingin' Axes, they were performed in his honor shortly after his death, and we are pleased to present the music of one of my dearest friends again." Wurtz explained.

Another of Wurtz' friends, Steve Adams, will be the vocalist on Holt's music. Adams is a Nacogdoches business owner who spent his early career as a professional singer in Nashville. Locally, he has been involved with the First United Methodist Church music program and has performed at the Lamp-Lite Playhouse Theater.

The Swingin' Axes will also play several pieces made popular by Count Basie.

The concert is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and the Department of Music.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or 888-240-ARTS.