The Compaq Big Band is one of the longest continuously large-format jazz ensembles in New England. Formed in 1975, the group has performed for hundreds of clients across the region and beyond. In the last few decades they’ve risen to prominence throughout the region, impressing crowds at swing dances, gala celebrations, nonprofit fundraisers, music festivals, summer concerts, and legendary Boston area jazz venues and theaters. Among the band’s many accomplishments are a 10-day/7-gig tour of the United Kingdom, producing and opening for two sold out shows of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, several concerts featuring international high jazz trumpet virtuoso Wayne Bergeron, and providing the music for two Vermont Burlesque Festival grand finales.
The band showcases the power of 14 horns, a cookin’ 4-piece rhythm section, a rotation of phenomenal jazz vocalists, and terrific instrumental soloists. The band’s ‘book’ of both classic and progressive swing and jazz is unmatched by other regional big bands. Their very significant investment in state-of-the-art sound reinforcement, all expertly mixed by an experienced engineer, ensure that audiences experience a clear, clean, professional musical product – just part of the Compaq Big Band’s absolute passion for technical show quality.
On July 27th the band’s vocalist will be the ultra-talented Katie Oberholtzer from nearby Cape Elizabeth. In 2020 Katie received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine in vocal jazz performance, and in 2022 received a master’s degree in jazz vocal performance from the esteemed University of Miami Frost School of Music. Among her many accomplishments are receiving Downbeat Awards in 2021 for both Best Jazz Vocal Soloist and being a member of Downbeat’s Best Blues, Pop, Rock Group. In 2022 Katie received Downbeat’s Outstanding Jazz Vocal Soloist award and was a member of Downbeat’s Best Large Jazz Vocal Ensemble. Katie has performed at prestigious venues nationwide, including Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center, and for several many years has been the featured vocalist with the fabulous Portland Jazz Orchestra.
The styles you’ll hear on July 27th run the gamut from traditional jazz and swing to very UNtraditional jazz rock, ballads, and a few surprises – all high-energy arrangements from legendary big band leaders and/or arrangers such as Gordon Goodwin, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, Count Basie, Tom Kubis, Sammy Nestico, Chris Walden, and John Clayton. Katie will be out in front channelin’ Ella Fitzgerald, Diane Schuur, Tierney Sutton, Natalie Cole, and other great singers.
Check out www.compaqbigband.com and www.katieoberholtzer.com, and ‘Like’ the CBB, Katie, and Scarborough Community Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.
