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Rhapsody and the Blues celebrates Gershwin’s iconic work
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Big band Rhapsody and the Blues with Jens Lindemann will perform for the Golden Belt Community Concert Association at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium.

The Golden Belt Community Concert Association will celebrate the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with big band Rhapsody and the Blues and virtuoso trumpet soloist Jens Lindeman at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone.

“Rhapsody in Blue” is garnering new attention in the performing arts this year because of the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s monumental classic, which includes jazz rhythms and blues elements for the first time in music history. 

A novelty in the story of Gershwin’s iconic creation is the astonishing fact that he developed the framework for this amazing piece of music on a train, claiming the train’s “steely rhythms and rattle-ty bang” inspired the jazz and blues rhythms.

Rhapsody and the Blues will perform the first new arrangement of Gershwin’s iconic work since its original dance band version of 1924. Arranged by Matt Catingub, this rendition will feature a special guest pianist and Lindemann playing piccolo trumpet.

In Tuesday’s concert, Rhapsody and the Blues will also play the big band music of Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, Nat King Cole, and others. The music includes “Take the A Train,” “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “One O’Clock Jump,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” and other big band favorites.

This GBCCA event is open to association members. No single concert tickets are available. Because the association encourages young people’s interest in music and the performing arts, full-time students will be admitted for a $5 donation at the door.

The Golden Belt Community Concert Association and the Great Bend Recreation Commission now provide eight handicap parking spaces in front of the northeast entrance of the auditorium for every concert. Blue cones, placed at the curb before each space, will designate handicap-only parking.

Transportation to the concerts will again be provided for members in the Hoisington area who do not feel comfortable driving at night. Sunflower Diversified Services’ Catch-a-Ride will pick up the members from the parking lot of Hoisington’s Friendship House, 410 E. Third St., at 6:10 p.m. on the night of each concert. Round-trip cost is $4. Members must sign up for the ride at Friendship House or call 620-653-2555.

For more information about the Golden Belt Community Concert Association, visit the website, www.goldenbeltcca.org.