Count Basie Orchestra @ Southwest Oklahoma St University
Tickets are now available for the 55th Annual SWOSU Jazz Festival, scheduled for Feb. 13–14, 2025. This upcoming festival will feature performances by the world-renowned Count Basie Orchestra and other events open to the community.
The festival begins on Thursday, Feb. 13, with the “In the Mix” Combo Performance at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium, featuring members of the Count Basie Orchestra. Following this, the “In the Mix” Hors d’oeuvres Rendezvous will take place at 9 p.m. in the Lobby Lounge of the Best Western Plus, with snacks provided by the SWOSU Music Department.
Friday, Feb. 14, includes a full day of events, including the Big Band Festival from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Middle school, high school, and collegiate big bands will perform in various locations, including the Fine Arts Auditorium and Berrong Recital Hall. Additional events include:
Friday, Feb. 14:
9:30 a.m. - Rhythm Section Clinic at Hilltop Theatre
11 a.m. - The Count Basie Orchestra 1935–2025: A Complete History (Clinic #1) at Hilltop Theatre
1 p.m. - SWOSU Jazz Orchestra Concert in the Fine Arts Auditorium
3 p.m.- Playing the Basie Way (Clinic #2) at Fine Arts Auditorium
5 p.m.- Jazz with Pizzazz Buffet Dinner at the Timothy D. Day Business Enterprise Center
8 p.m.- Legendary Count Basie Orchestra Concert in the Fine Arts Auditorium
For a more detailed overview of the event schedule, visit www.swosujazzfest.com/.
Regional university, high school, and middle school jazz bands are invited to participate in the Big Band Festival and perform for comments and ratings from judges. The registration deadline is Jan. 19, 2025. Outstanding soloists will receive certificates, with two exceptional soloists awarded free tuition scholarships to a 2025 SWOSU Music camp. Bands interested in participating can sign up at https://swosujazzfest.com/director-information/.
Tickets for the concert are now available for purchase! Prices for the Count Basie Orchestra Concert are $10 for students, $20 for seniors, and $35 for general admission. The “Atomic Basie Pass,” which includes a concert ticket and a buffet dinner ticket, is available for $55. Tickets for the SWOSU Jazz Orchestra are $10 for students, $15 for seniors, and $25 for general admission. Tickets for all events can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/48SmU4n.
The SWOSU Jazz Festival is generously supported by the SWOSU Foundation. Donations help provide participating high school bands with music masterclasses and offer accommodations for featured artists and organizers. For those interested in supporting SWOSU Jazz through donations, visit https://swosufoundation.com/give/give-to-swosu-jazz/.
SWOSU Jazz alumni have a special invitation this year. All former SWOSU Jazz students are invited to join Dr. Terry Segress on stage as the opening act of the festival. This alumni band performance will celebrate the rich history of the jazz program at SWOSU and provide an opportunity for past students to reconnect. Alumni can sign up for the band at https://swosujazzfest.com/alumni-information/.
Non-performing groups are encouraged to attend and observe the performances, clinics, and concerts. All clinics are free and open to the public. For further details about the 55th Annual SWOSU Jazz Festival schedule, ticket purchases, or Big Band Festival registration, contact Dr. Richard Tirk at Richard.tirk@swosu.edu or visit www.swosujazzfest.com.