Count Basie Orchestra Plays Suncoast Showroom This Weekend

In recognition of its 80th anniversary, the award-winning Count Basie Orchestra performs at the Suncoast Showroom this weekend, beginning tonight, July 17 and continuing tomorrow, July 18.

William "Count" Basie started the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935 in Kansas City, Mo. In his early days as a performer, Basie garnered experience as a silent movie pianist and organist, and eventually worked with the Theater Owners Booking Agency (TOBA) circuit. The TOBA was the vaudeville circuit for African-American performers during the 1920's and 1930's.

In 1958, Basie became the first African-American man to receive a Grammy Award. The 18-member orchestra has been awarded 18 Grammy Awards, the most for any orchestra. Basie was posthumously inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2009. The current music director, Scotty Barnhart, continues the storied history created by Basie of stomping and shouting the Blues and moving to the music of swing.

Count Basie was able to get many of the greatest instrumentalists and vocalists in jazz to be a part of his orchestra. His orchestra performed alongside greats including Lester Young, Billie Holiday, Frank Foster, Thad Jones, Sonny Payne, Freddie Green, Snooky Young, Frank Wess and Joe Williams.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. each evening and tickets start at $15.95 plus tax and fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office by calling 702.284.7777, or by visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.

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