Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra to perform at Hylton Center Oct. 3

Local jazz powerhouse, the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, returns to the Hylton Performing Arts Center with a soaring celebration of two of America’s greatest inventions – jazz and aviation – in the world premiere of Paul Glenshaw’s “To Swing Through the Sky.” This unparalleled evening features exuberant dance, an insightful narrative and the swinging sounds of big band music as it celebrates the legacies of great American innovators like Louis Armstrong and Charles Lindbergh. The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra’s “To Swing Through the Sky” is at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 3 at 8 p.m.

Born just one year apart, Louis Armstrong and Charles Lindbergh took very different directions in life, but both encapsulated the spirit of innovation and exploration at the dawn of the 20th century.  Louis Armstrong, one of the most influential improvisers in jazz history, taught the world to swing with his stunning music and joyful performances. Aviator Charles Lindbergh took the boundaries of aviation to new heights by completing the first solo transatlantic airplane flight.  The unique concert celebrates Armstrong, Lindbergh and the many creators and thinkers who rode a wave of new American energy that changed the world and inspired generations that followed.

Under the artistic direction of alto sax virtuoso Jim Carroll, The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra comprises outstanding jazz musicians from the greater D.C. metro area.  Carroll, now the Director of Instrumental Studies at George Mason University, has a versatile music career, touring with artists from Michael Jackson to Woody Herman and The Thundering Herd. He is a charter member of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, in residence at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

This theatrical concert, conceived and written by Paul Glenshaw, is directed by Rick Davis, Executive Director of the Hylton Performing Arts Center and Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Linda Miller choreographs this collaborative and interdisciplinary event. Projection and lighting design by Autum Casey, sound design by Kevin Dunayer, costume design by Laurel Dunayer, and sound engineering by Billy Kessinger. Noted DC actors Edward Gero and Joseph Lane perform the narration.

In honor of this unique exploration of art and science, the “To Swing Through the Sky” performance is the culmination of The Discovery Forum, a daylong encounter with the intersection of the arts and sciences for artists, scientists, and educators. The Discovery Forum is presented as part of the STEAM Table at Mason and sponsored by Boeing. More information about The Discovery Forum is available at steamtable.org.

Novant Health is the 2015-2016 Hylton Presents Season Sponsor

Ticket Information: Tickets for Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra: “To Swing Through the Sky” are $44, $37 and $26 per person. Family Friendly: performance suitable for families with children. Tickets are half price for children and youth through grade 12. Tickets available at the Hylton Performing Arts Center ticket office, by phone at 888-945-2468, or online at HyltonCenter.org. The Hylton Performing Arts Center is located on George Mason University’s Prince William Campus at 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, Va., 20110. Ticket office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free parking is available in the lot next to the Hylton Center.