KC Jazz Orchestra presenting free concert Oct. 10, spotlighting British Invasion

The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra will present a free concert in October at Northwest's Charles Johnson Theater. (Submitted photo)

Northwest Missouri State University will welcome one of the nation’s preeminent big bands for a free concert and a night of musical nostalgia through the lens of modern jazz.

The concert features The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra (KCJO) presenting a bold tribute to the British Invasion with brand-new arrangements reimagining the music of The Beatles, The Who and other cultural icons.

The concert, which is open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, in the Charles Johnson Theater at the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building.

“We are so excited to host the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, an outstanding group of musicians who normally play at the Kauffman Center in Kansas City,” said Northwest Professor of Music Dr. William Richardson, who conducts the University’s jazz ensembles. “This performance is especially unique in that it is completely free to attend. We would love to see a large audience for this special event.”

Founded in 2003, KCJO performs familiar favorites, artful arrangements and contemporary compositions, making them a dynamic force locally and abroad. The ensemble is committed to delivering innovative programs rooted in tradition while celebrating the past and embracing the future in all of its artistic endeavors.

As a proud representative of Kansas City’s jazz tradition, the ensemble boasts a “Signature Series” at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Folly Theater, a flexible small group known as KCJO 5, and an ever-growing education program, “JazzWorks!”

For more information about The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, visit www.kcjo.org.