2008 - 2009 Concert Series
Arend Arts Center

THEIR STORY

In 1983, a group of talented musicians attending Arizona State University in Tempe, formed a musical ensemble whose artistic focus centered around the musical traditions of early New Orleans Jazz.  They possessed a burning desire to explore the colorful nuances and creative challenges of this indigenous American art form.  In tribute to the quaint little side streets where jazz was first heard in the French Quarter, the band decided to call itself the Side Street Strutters.

Shortly after the ensemble's inception, the Strutters were accepted onto the Arizona Commission for the Arts Touring Roster and represented the state at the Cervantino International Music Festival in Mexico.  In 1984, the group was awarded first place honors at the International Association of Jazz Educators Jazz Competition, made numerous television appearances including the Today Show, the Merv Griffin Show, and the Jerry Lewis National Telethon, and accepted an invitation to perform for former President Reagan at the White House.  The ensemble's innovative jazz style and magnetic audience appeal led them to Disneyland, in California, where guests have been enjoying their weekly performances since 1985. 

With the Los Angeles area as their new home, the Side Street Strutters continued to gain popularity and attract a burgeoning audience.  In 1986, the ensemble received a "Recommended" artistic rating from the National Endowment for the Arts for international touring and conducted their first of many European tours.  They have since shared their music throughout Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and Sweden.   In 1991 the ensemble received first place honors at the prestigious Breda International Jazz Competition in Holland, and, in 1993, was awarded an international touring grant from the National Endowment For The Arts and the United States Information Agency.    Later that year, the Side Street Strutters were accepted onto the California State Touring Arts Roster.  The ensemble recently embraced two new musical challenges as they proudly debuted their Symphony POPS Orchestra program and completed their seventh CD recording project.

This is no ordinary Dixieland band.  Old traditional favorites are stunningly reworked into exciting new entities thanks to the individual artistry of each performer and the brilliant arranging skills of NEA/Lila Wallace award recipient, Joey Sellers.   The Strutters' vast repertoire encompasses over half a century of jazz styles from the early New Orleans Dixieland and Blues sounds of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and Fats Waller, the timeless classics of Porter, Carmichael, and Gershwin, and the exciting swing sounds from the libraries of Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and others.  The ensemble's entertaining show style presentation also includes colorful costumes, a stage set, tap dancing, vocal selections, novelty numbers, and the use of rare and unusual musical instruments.

The Side Street Strutters have now performed over 500 concerts and school outreach programs in 49 states and 9 countries. With their growing popularity and mounting accomplishments, one thing is certain: They love this music!

Arend Arts Center
1901 S.E. J Street
Bentonville, AR

For additional information call Live On Stage in NWA
479-855-9997