St. Augustine’s Romanza Festivale of Music and The Arts and the St. Johns Cultural Council have partnered to present The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra during the 2024 Romanza event. The concert will be held at 4 p.m. May 12 at Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. The orchestra received a 2024 Grammy Award for Best Large Ensemble Jazz Album, “Basie Swings the Blues.”
The 16- to 18-piece big band is one of the most prominent jazz groups from the swing era with 18 Grammy Awards and performances at major jazz festivals and concert halls throughout the world. Founded by William James “Count” Basie in 1935, the band continues under the direction of trumpeter Scotty Barnhart. Barnhart is a Florida A&M University graduate and professor of jazz trumpet at Florida State University.
The concert will also feature vocalist Carmen Bradford, considered to be one of jazz music’s most diverse and inspiring vocal stylists. In addition to performing with Count Basie himself, Bradford has collaborated with George Benson, Benny Carter, John Mills and many other noted musicians.
Early ticket pricing, available during March, includes $10 off each purchase with the promo code Romanza. With the discount, ticket prices range from $30 to $70. To purchase tickets and for more information, go to RomanzaFestivale.com.
