Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band

ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY PRESENTS
INNOVATIVE AND VERSATILE
PHILADELPHIA NATIVE AND PIANIST,
ORRIN EVANS,
AND THE CAPTAIN BLACK BIG BAND,
NOVEMBER 29, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (October 3, 2024) – Ensemble Arts Philly is thrilled to present Philadelphia native and prominent jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, and educator, Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band at the Perelman Theater on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. This energizing performance from Evans, known for his dynamic compositions and fervent performances, is part of Ensemble Arts’ robust 2024-25 Jazz Series and highlights its vision to showcase the diverse spectrum of musical talent within and outside the Philadelphia region. This program will include the new album Walk A Mile In My Shoe, which was released in August of 2024.

“With firm roots in Philadelphia’s robust music scene, Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band blend jazz sensibilities with the soulful touch of rhythm and blues,” said Frances Egler, Vice President of Programming and Presentations. “This year’s 2024-25 Jazz Series includes artists of international acclaim shaping jazz’s legacy for both the hometown crowd and the world beyond, from Samara Joy to Boney James, Pink Martini to Somi.”

Boasting a raw, vigorous sound; a raucous, unpredictable vibe; and a membership ranging from elders to rising stars, the Grammy nominated Captain Black Big Band has rapidly seized the attention of the jazz world to become one of the most vital big bands on the modern scene. That’s no surprise given the leadership of pianist and composer Evans, who imbues the ensemble with his distinctively bold, bracing sensibility. Founded in late 2009, Captain Black was conceived as a vehicle for Evans to combine the power and scale of a big band with the freedom and spontaneity of a small group. From its beginnings at Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia through its long-running night residency at New York’s Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, the band has evolved into a flexible and tightrope-walking unit whose daring approach lends the music an exhilarating edge. Local jazz artist and Ensemble Arts Education & Community Engagement staff member Josh Lawrence will perform with the band during this performance.

The Orrin Evans and Captain Black Big Band performance is a part of Ensemble Arts Philly’s 2024-25 Jazz Series. Other featured upcoming performances include Afro-Cuban All Stars (October 19, 2024, Miller Theater); Pink Martini featuring China Forbes (November 2, 2024, Marian Anderson Hall); Boney James (November 9, 2024, Miller Theater); Django Festival Allstars (November 16, 2024, Perelman Theater); Samara Joy: Joyful Holiday featuring the McLendon Family (December 23, 2024, Marian Anderson Hall); Somi (May 9, 2025, Perelman Theater), and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (June 15, 2025, Marian Anderson Hall).

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org. In-person ticket sales can be conducted daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street. See www.ensembleartsphilly.org for more information.

Orrin Evans and Captain Black Big Band
Perelman Theater
Friday, November 29, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

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ABOUT ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY
For more information about ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.    

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