This February, I went to see Wynton Marsalis with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra!
I LOVED this performance. It wasn’t too chilly, so my roommate and I decided to wear leather jackets and get dressed up a bit (to which we regretted afterwards). She and I never have an excuse to get dressed up, so using that night to dress up was an amazing time. It was so easy to get in and find our seats, and we saw a few friends spread about as well!
When the show started, I realized it was my first major jazz concert, and I had no idea how it worked. The stage was gorgeous, and the big band was immediately insane. It was so casual, and honestly, really interesting that they were so chill. Throughout the set, they were up there laughing and yelling at their players, and it honestly helped me realize not everything is that serious. Some of my favorite moments weren’t even the music, but the interaction between the players, and the overall sportsmanship and love they have for one another. Hearing them hype each other up during solos, or laugh and talk DURING songs, was so interesting and inspiring.
Now, the main part was insane. Phenomenal. They’re one of the best jazz ensembles in the nation, and that is very evident in the way they play. It was phenomenal to watch them perform, and my breath was constantly taken away watching them. Even if it wasn’t a big solo, watching everyone blend and merge was insane, and as a musician myself, I was in awe. I’m trying to find more words to describe the amazing performance, but I’m at a loss. Overall, it was insane.
Luckily, if you weren’t there, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra has a long-standing relationship with Hancher, and I guarantee they’ll be back soon. I really hope they are, as this concert was one of my favorites at Hancher.
See you next time!
