Trumpeter & Singer Byron Stripling to Play 'Ragtime, Blues & All That Jazz' with the Houston Symphony, 10/31-11/2

On October 31 and November 1 and 2, the toe-tapping, captivating trumpeter and singer Byron Stripling joins the Houston Symphony for a memorable showcase of ragtime masters, blues legends and jazz classics. A spectacular trumpeter with a very wide range, a beautiful tone, and the ability to blend together many influences into his own style, Byron is an extroverted performer who brings the audience into his music. The happiness that he exudes through his trumpet, his vocals and his words is reminiscent of Louis Armstrong, yet very much his own.

The New York Times calls Stripling "at ease with the most complicated and detailed bebop lines and an open-armed Armstrong stagger." Along with the jaunty stylings of Principal POPS Conductor Michael Krajewski and the Houston Symphony, Stripling's entertaining anecdotes about the period music and its creators will transport you back to the illustrious era of ragtime, blues and jazz.

HOUSTON SYMPHONY POPS CONCERT

Ragtime, Blues & All That Jazz
Featuring Trumpeter and Singer Byron Stripling
Friday, October 31, 2014, 8:00pm
Saturday, November 1, 2014, 8:00pm
Sunday, November 2, 2014, 7:30pm

Michael Krajewski, conductor
Byron Stripling, trumpet and vocalist

Tickets from $25. At Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St., Houston, TX 77002.

About Byron Stripling - With a contagious smile and captivating charm, trumpet virtuoso, Byron Stripling, has ignited audiences internationally. As soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Stripling has performed frequently under the baton of Keith Lockhart, as well as being featured soloist on the PBS television special, "Evening at Pops," with conductors John Williams and Mr. Lockhart. Currently, Stripling serves as artistic director and conductor of the highly acclaimed Columbus Jazz Orchestra.

Since his Carnegie Hall debut with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops, Stripling has become a pops orchestra favorite throughout the country, soloing with Boston Pops, National Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, Seattle Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Toronto Symphony and Dallas Symphony. He has been a featured soloist at the Hollywood Bowl and performs at jazz festivals throughout the world.

An accomplished actor and singer, Stripling was chosen, following a worldwide search, to star in the lead role of the Broadway bound musical, "Satchmo." Many will remember his featured cameo performance in the television movie, "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles," and his critically acclaimed virtuoso trumpet and riotous comedic performance in the 42nd Street production of "From Second Avenue to Broadway."

Television viewers have enjoyed his work as soloist on the worldwide telecast of The Grammy Awards. Millions have heard his trumpet and voice on television commercials, TV theme songs including "20/20," CNN, and soundtracks of favorite movies.

Stripling earned his stripes as lead trumpeter and soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Thad Jones and Frank Foster. He has also played and recorded extensively with the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, and Buck Clayton in addition to The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and The GRP All Star Big Band.

About Houston Symphony During the 2014-15 season, the Houston Symphony enters its second century as one of America's leading orchestras with a full complement of concert, community, education, touring and recording activities. This season also marks the inaugural year for new Music Director Andrés Orozco- Estrada. The Houston Symphony is one of the oldest performing arts organizations in Texas whose inaugural performance was held at The Majestic Theater in downtown Houston on June 21, 1913. Today, with an annual operating budget of $29 million, the full-time ensemble of 87 professional musicians is the largest performing arts organization in Houston, presenting more than 286 performances for 300,000 people, including 82,000 children, annually. For tickets and more information, visit www.houstonsymphony.org or call (713) 224-7575.