Belton, Texas – On Thursday, September 27, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will host a concert by The Dirty Dozen Brass Band at 7:30 p.m. in the Baugh Performance Hall of the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center. Tickets are free to the public.
Celebrating over 40 years since their founding in 1977, the New Orleans-based group has taken the traditional foundation of brass band music and incorporated it into a blend of genres that includes Bebop Jazz, Funk, and R&B. Band members describe their unique style as a ‘musical gumbo.’ That delicious sound has allowed the Dirty Dozen to tour 5 continents and more than 30 countries. They have recorded 12 studio albums and collaborated with a range of artists from Widespread Panic to Norah Jones.
In 1977, The Dirty Dozen Social and Pleasure Club in New Orleans began showcasing a traditional Crescent City brass band. It was a joining of two proud, but antiquated, traditions. Social and pleasure clubs dated back over a century to a time when black southerners could rarely afford life insurance, and the clubs would provide proper funeral arrangements. Brass bands, early pioneers of jazz, would follow funeral processions playing somber dirges. Then, once the family of the deceased was out of earshot, the groups would burst into jubilant dance tunes as onlookers danced in the streets. The Dirty Dozen Social and Pleasure Club decided to assemble this group as a house band, and over the course of these early gigs, the seven-member ensemble adopted the venue's name: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
This concert qualifies as a Fine Arts Experience (FAE) credit for UMHB students. The Fine Arts Experience program is designed to help students gain an appreciation for the fine arts in many forms during their time on campus. To this end, students are required to attend at least one designated Fine Arts Experience event each semester.
Although this concert is free and open to the public, due to its anticipated popularity, seating is limited and will need complimentary tickets for attendance. These free tickets are available for pick up prior to the event in the Box Office at the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center. For ticket information call 254-295-5999 or connect to www.umhb.edu/pac.
