Fiu Big Band at South Motors Jazz Series @ Pinecrest Gardens at Pinecrest Gardens Banyan Bowl

The FIU Big Band, directed by James Hacker, is the most visible artistic group at FIU. With over 25 major performances yearly it has become internationally recognized as one of the premier college jazz ensembles in the world. Invitations to the International Association for Jazz Education Convention, the Mid-West Band & Orchestra Clinic, the Wigan Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Quito Jazz Festival, and the Maceo Jazz Festival have taken this world-class group of graduate & undergraduate students beyond the realm of the ‘typical’ college band. "This big band sports an explosive sound and fluid mode of attack. They abide by a get up and go style of musicality via brisk charts and precision-oriented interplay. In effect, the album title offers a vivid depiction of the band’s multihued gait, where they tear it up and also temper the various pulses in spots." (Glenn Astarita)...

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The FIU Big Band, directed by James Hacker, is the most visible artistic group at FIU. With over 25 major performances yearly it has become internationally recognized as one of the premier college jazz ensembles in the world. Invitations to the International Association for Jazz Education Convention, the Mid-West Band & Orchestra Clinic, the Wigan Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Quito Jazz Festival, and the Maceo Jazz Festival have taken this world-class group of graduate & undergraduate students beyond the realm of the ‘typical’ college band. "This big band sports an explosive sound and fluid mode of attack. They abide by a get up and go style of musicality via brisk charts and precision-oriented interplay. In effect, the album title offers a vivid depiction of the band’s multihued gait, where they tear it up and also temper the various pulses in spots." (Glenn Astarita)

Wendy Pedersen is one of South Florida’s favorite performers. Her high-energy vocal delivery, with deep, convincing emotion has been impacting audiences for many years. Wendy has won many awards including the Southern Bell/Pace “Jazz Artist of the Year” and a Miami New Times “best vocalist”, saying, “Wendy can shake the rafters or break your heart...” "When she sings, her voice, an elegant melismatic instrument, evokes the standard emotions, yes, but deeper longings and muted desires.”
(Leonard Pitts, Miami Herald)

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