NEWS
CENTENARY COLLEGE OF LOUISIANA

Kick-off Event for Centenary's 175th Anniversary Celebration

World-Famous Count Basie Orchestra to Perform at Centenary May 18; Former Shreveporter Mike Williams is Among Those Playing

Count Basie Orchestra

SHREVEPORT, LA--The world-famous Count Basie Orchestra, including former Northwood High band leader Mike Williams, will perform Tuesday, May 18 at 8 p.m. in Centenary College's Hargrove Bandshell.

The public event will kick off Centenary's year-long celebration of the 175^th anniversary of its founding.

Called the greatest big-band working today by the New York Post and the "swingingest band in the land" by Florida's Island Reporter, the Count Basie Orchestra originated in the 1930s. The majority of today's Count Basie Orchestra members are original members, hand picked by original director, the late William "Count" Basie.

The modern Count Basie Orchestra is led by Grover Williams and consists of 19 performers. They are in demand for television and films, have won every respected jazz poll in the world at least once and continue to accumulate awards and special recognition.

Tickets for the event are $15 and can be purchased at Centenary's Hurley School of Music, Southfield Music, both in Shreveport, and the Band House in Bossier City. The program is sponsored by the Centenary Alumni Association and is a benefit for Centenary students.

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