Brooks concert

Tonight big band music performed by C. Calloway Brooks and the Cab Calloway Orchestra will take center stage at 7:30 p.m. in the Bedell Performance Hall at the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus.

C. Calloway Brooks grew up hearing the voice of his grandfather, the late jazz legend and bandleader Cab Calloway. Captivated by his voice and the big band sound at an early age, Brooks would later tour with his grandfather some while attending the New England Conservatory of Music.

In 1998, a few years after Calloway's death, Brooks formed the Cab Calloway Orchestra. Today the legacy of the great showman -- who helped make the jitterbug popular and entertained audiences with his "scat" lyrics -- continues as Brooks and the band perform many of Calloway's greatest hits.

Most of tonight's numbers are Calloway charts, according to Brooks. The 1931 hist song "Minnie the Moocher" is sure to be popular with longtime Calloway fans as well those who saw "The Blues Brothers" movie, in which Calloway made an appearance. Brooks said tonight's performance will also include one or two of his original pieces as well as other well-known big band favorites.

Those who would like to attend tonight's performance can purchase tickets at the River Campus box office, by phone at 651-2265 or via Tickets West at 1-866-464-2626.

We're fortunate to have a venue in the River Campus which not only attracts top touring talent, such as tonight's performers, but is also a world-class facility for student performances.

To see a list of upcoming events at the River Campus, go to www.semo.edu/rivercampus.