JazzMN Big Band © Don Jackson

The JazzMN BB, the premier Jazz Orchestra of MN, presents “Hot Brass to Warm a Winter Night”, featuring trumpeter Nicholas Payton from NYC, and the Hornheads, in concert on Sat, Feb. 14 at 7:30 PM at the wonderful Hopkins High School Performing Arts Center. For tickets call 651-209-6689 or go to Ticketworks.com. If you buy a pair of tickets to both the Payton and the Ken Peplowski concerts (April 4) you save $20.

Nicholas Payton was born & raised in New Orleans. He moved to NYC in the early 90s and hooked up with the start of jazz at Lincoln Center with his buddy Wynton Marsalis. Nicholas became known as one of the young lions in jazz. Today he is only 34 years old and has recorded 9 CDs. His music gives a nod to the past but it also leaps into the future. In 2002 he recorded a CD titled DEAR LOUIS, a tribute to Louie Armstrong. It was nominated for a Grammy for the best large jazz ensemble album.

The fabulous Hornheads, an acapella horn Quintet, was formed here in the Twin Cities in 1992 to record and tour with Prince. Four of the five Hornhead members are also member of the JazzMN BB –  trombonist Michael Nelson, baritone saxophonist Kathy Jensen, and trumpeters Steve Strand & Dave Jensen. The other member, saxophonist Kenni Holman will play with the HHs at the concert and solo with the JazzMN BB.

The Hornheads © Andrea Canter