Count Basie Orchestra

These days, jazz is rarely performed on a truly large scale, but the eighteen-piece Count Basie Orchestra isn’t really about these days. Basie’s orchestra (sans Basie, who died in 1984, in case you didn’t know) still swings, loudly and enthusiastically, keeping the music hot. And there appears to be no slowing down–this outfit still wins Grammys, writes songs, and even gets experimental, although the show relies heavily on the classic Basie songbook. Trombonist Bill Hughes, who originally worked with Basie in 1953, is the current director, and many of his musicians have histories with the Count or other luminaries of the jazz age. 612-371-5656; www.minnesotaorchestra.org.