Dukes of Dixieland Play the Van Wezel, 3/5

On Saturday, March 5 at 8 p.m. the Dukes of Dixieland will bring time-honored, authentic New Orleans sounds to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Bright and brassy or smooth and dark as cane syrup, the hits of Dixie's yesteryear are back with the Dukes of Dixieland. A genuine American sound, born in New Orleans, Dixieland combined brass band marches, French Quadrilles, ragtime and blues with collective, polyphonic improvisation. The Dukes of Dixieland push traditional jazz and bebop further, weaving strands of pop, gospel, and country, with pure New Orleans sounds. More than 37 years of history and practice stand behind today's Dukes as they step forward with a sound that is durable and flexible, as jazz is meant to be. The Dukes have worn their New Orleans jazz heritage proudly as globe-trotting jazz ambassadors from the heart of the Big Easy. They are the oldest continuing Dixieland jazz band and have sold out such venues as The Hollywood Bowl, the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian, to name a few.

Ticket prices range from $10 to $40. For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Van Wezel Box office at (941) 953-3368 or log onto www.vanwezel.org. This show is sponsored by Wilde Lexus of Sarasota.