The University of Montana Jazz Program is excited to announce that it will pair up with LOGJAM PRESENTS and the ZACC with drum set Artist, John Wicks for a day and evening of fun holiday jazz entertainment as a fundraiser for the UM Jazz Program.

The 11th Annual Holiday Swing will be ‘Swingin’ Big’ with two fantastic locations and great new additions.

The evening edition is moving to the glorious Wilma and will feature an internationally recognized drum set artist and brand new UM faculty member John Wicks along with auction items, The Missoula Jazz Collective and tons holiday big band favorites!

The folks at Logjam Presents and the Wilma do a magnificent job creating a festive atmosphere and having such great musicians and music makes for a wonderful jump start to the holiday season,“ said Rob Tapper, UM Director of Jazz Studies and Director of the UM/Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival. “Having this event at the Wilma will give this evening even more sparkle and allows patrons to enjoy a great venue, restaurants nearby and wonderful music with some classic holiday big band jazz favorites – this should be a blast!”.

John Wicks is an artists who performs in a variety of settings and styles including with internationally known Fitz and the Tantrums. John is also versed playing with big bands, small groups, orchestras and movie and television soundtracks as well as theater. He has performed with numerous jazz and pop luminaries and has recorded in Los Angeles with some of the busiest artists in the business. John is also the newest team member to the UM Jazz Faculty. Joining John at this wonderful event is the UM Jazz Ensemble I under the direction of Rob Tapper and Missoula Jazz Collective made up of jazz faculty including Jeff Troxel (guitar), Bob LedBetter (drum set) and Tommy Sciple (bass).

The UM Jazz Ensemble I will perform some toe–tapping holiday favorites along with pieces featuring John. This event occurs in part to raise money for the UM Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival, UM jazz scholarships, UM faculty and to help with UM Jazz Program activities including guest artists, equipment and student tours and outreach.

Once again the family friendly “Holiday Swing Set” returns at 2:00 PM for younger children and families to enjoy great holiday music, snacks and dance in a shorter (45-minute) setting! The daytime ‘Swing Set’ will take place at the Zootown Arts Community Center, 216 West Main St.

Come and join us for an evening of jazz entertainment presenting holiday classics from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Stan Kenton, as well as fresh and new big band tunes.