The Al Cobine Big Band, shown during a past performance, will perform in downtown Columbus at a free outdoor concert on July 19.
Photo provided
WFIU Public Radio is bringing Jazz in July, a free outdoor summer concert featuring Hoosier musicians, to downtown Columbus.
The Al Cobine Big Band will perform from 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 19 at the Bartholomew County Public Library Plaza, 536 Fifth St. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved indoors to The Commons at 300 Washington St.
The performance will be emceed by David Brent Johnson, host of two of WFIU’s long-running jazz programs, “Night Lights” and “Just You & Me.” Attendees may bring lawn chairs or blankets to the concert.
Food trucks will also be available at the event.
The Al Cobine Big Band was founded in 1956 and has continued after the death of its esteemed bandleader in 2009. The band has toured with such legends as Elvis Presley and John Denver and is well-known for the quality established when Cobine was alive.
A native of Richmond, Indiana, Al Cobine came to Bloomington in the 1950s to pursue a doctorate degree in political science, but instead became a widely renowned big band leader. He put together orchestras and arrangements for Henry Mancini, Johnny Mathis and many other popular artists.
Cobine’s own compositions and interpretations of songwriters such as Indiana native Hoagy Carmichael form an important part of the saxophonist’s contribution to the legacy of Indiana jazz.
Support for Jazz in July comes from presenting partner Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyers and supporting partner Columbus Area Visitors Center.
Information: wfiu.org/jazzinjuly.
