Trumpeter helps open jazz orchestra's season

10/20/2005

The Toledo Jazz Orchestra will kick off its 2005-06 concert season Saturday with a night of steamy tropical jazz featuring special guest Humberto Ramirez on trumpet.

Ramirez, the son of a professional saxophonist and band leader, began playing flugelhorn at age 11 and by 14 was playing in his father's band. He has worked with such stars as Puente and Chick Corea, and recorded and toured with Herb Albert for his album "Passion Dance." His latest CD, "Miles Latino," pays tribute to Davis' Latin recordings.

The 18-member Toledo Jazz Orchestra, directed by Russ Schmidt, is entering its 26th season with four shows in the Harold Jaffe Concert Series. The second in the series will be one of the TJO's "Ohio Treasures" concerts, spotlighting Cleveland trombonist Paul Ferguson on Jan. 14. The series continues March 4 with a tribute to Duke Ellington, and concludes with the annual Stan Kenton salute April 15. In addition, the jazz orchestra will perform the Ellington-Strayhorn jazz arrangement of The Nutcracker Suite on Dec. 3.

The Toledo Jazz Orchestra will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center of Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $5 for students. Information: 419-241-5299.