Big band brings variety to Flamingo Ball
Date 10/15/1998 12:00 AM | Topic: Arts & CultureWith a large ensemble of experienced musicians, the Des Moines Big Band carries its 40 year tradition to Luther for Flamingo Ball '98. The musicians will perform Saturday, Oct. 17 in the Regents Center from 9 p.m. -12 a.m. as part of Homecoming festivities.
The band specializes in a wide range of musical styles. Flamingo Ball '98 can expect to hear latin music, cha-chas, sambas, ballads, rock-n-roll, disco and "some really good swing music," Oatts said.
Kate Oppert ('00) and Jaime Rowe ('00), flamingo ball co-executives, booked Des Moines Big Band for Flamingo Ball '98.
"The band's wide range of music is attractive," said Oppert. "We liked the idea of swing music, but were a little nervous about one type of musical focus. The band's willingness to work with what we wanted to do made us feel we made the right decision."
The 16 member band led by Jim Oatts has been together 11 years, the longest period of consecutive membership in the band's career. 1999 will mark the Des Moines Big Band's 40th year in existence.
"We really have a good nucleus of players," said Oatts. "We make it a point to try to get the best musicians in the area to join us. Our performer list stays pretty constant, and we usually only have one change in performers a year."
Oatts, with 15 years experience in Des Moines Big Band, has also played with artist Stan Kenten, Woody Herman, and Wilson Pickett. His musical influences are Machito and Tito Puente, who he has played and recorded with.
There are four trumpet and four trombone players in the band as well as five saxophone players, one pianist, a bassist and a drummer.
Band members are Oatts, Steve Jones, Dave Kobberdahl, Vern Hansen, Steve O'Brien, Dick Oatts, Wayne Page, Bob Long, Tom Lane, Wayne Lage, Paul Bridson, Tom Rankin, Jon Lewis, Sid Bos, Ross Cornelison, and Chad Thoreson.
Kate Washut, on baritone and sax, and Sue Oatts-Tucker, vocalist, are guest performers for the Oct. 17 show.
The musical season for the Des Moines Big Band is Oct. 1- June 1. The band is seen regularly at the Spaghetti Works restaurant in Des Moines where they play every Monday evening.
The Des Moines Big Band is affiliated with the Iowa Arts Council and perform the majority of their performances in Iowa. The band has played at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, the Iowa City Jazz Festival and the Val-Air Ballroom in West Des Moines. The band has also performed for the governor's inauguration ceremony.
The band plays outside Iowa as well, primarily in Midwest cities like Sioux Falls, Omaha, Kansas and Minneapolis.
"The touring keeps us alive musically. Our intent for the band is not to make money, but the touring allows us to keep doing what we enjoy," Jim Oatts said.
According to Jim Oatts, Des Moines Big Band will be releasing its third CD after mixing and further production tasks are completed. The expected release date is after Jan. 1, 1999.
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Amy Domaszek
Chips Staff Writer
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