The Shades of Blue Concert will benefit our Backpacks 4 Kids Ministry. Backpacks and school supplies have been provided for the last 10 years to school children in the Wildwood elementary, intermediate, and middle-high school each year to ensure their success during the school year. Last year we raised over $20,000 to support this effort. New Covenant has been hosting concerts for several years to purchase the needed items. Due to our growing community, 1,300 children benefitted last year.

The Shades of Blue Octet draws its musical lineage from the Dave Pell Octet, a celebrated ensemble that sprang from Les Brown’s big band in the 1950s. This eight-piece band proudly carries forward a substantial collection of original arrangements from the Pell ensemble, embracing the contributions of iconic composers such as Marty Paich, Shorty Rogers, Bill Holman, and Andre Previn, among others. Under the leadership of Paul Holtzman, who also crafts arrangements, the group champions a distinct approach to jazz that prioritizes ensemble cohesion over extended solos. This emphasis on collective sound, powered by a blend of four horns and a guitar, channels the full-bodied resonance of a big band, despite the ensemble’s more intimate size.

Adopting the West Coast Jazz style, the Shades of Blue stand out in the Villages for their unique musical offering, diverging from the more commonly performed genres of rock, country, and doo-wop. The band’s composition features Chuck Mander on trumpet, Mike James wielding the tenor sax, Margaret Banton on baritone sax, Tommy Rocco on guitar, Bob Wilson at the piano keys, Al Cheatham handling the bass, Rod Jacobs on drums, and band leader Paul Holtzman on trombone. Adding a special touch to their performances,

vocalist Donna Francis not only lends her voice to the ensemble but also offers insights into the band’s repertoire, enhancing the audience’s appreciation of their music.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door ($25).