KPR’s Big Band Christmas is back in full swing



LAWRENCE – Join Kansas Public Radio for an evening of jazz and big band favorites with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra and special guest vocalist Molly Hammer.

KPR’s 11th annual celebration of holiday tunes will be at 8 p.m. Dec. 14 at Liberty Hall in downtown Lawrence. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Hammer takes the stage as lead vocalist with her rich, smoky-hued voice that will transport audiences back to the jazz clubs of yore. She has been performing in the Kansas City area since 2005. Hammer has an eclectic vocal background, and she has found her home in the world of jazz and blues, drawing inspiration from the likes of Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, Sara Vaughan and others. Hammer is a graduate of the Artist INC program and has also had the honor of singing the national anthem for both the Royals and the Chiefs.

Formed in 2003, the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra brings many of the region's greatest jazz musicians together to perform big band jazz in a concert setting. The KCJO is under the direction of Clint Ashlock, Kansas City native and trumpeter.

This event sold out last year, so the public is encouraged to purchase tickets soon. The dance floor will be open to balcony and floor seating. Tickets are available at the Liberty Hall box office or ticketmaster.com. A service charge may be added to the order. Tickets can be purchased the night of the concert, if available. The Liberty Hall ticket office is cash only.

Dr. Stephen Chronister of Healing Smiles of Topeka is sponsoring Big Band Christmas.

KPR, an 18-time winner of the KAB’s Station of the Year, licensed to the University of Kansas, broadcasts on 91.5 FM and 96.1 FM (KPR2) in Lawrence, 89.7 FM in Emporia, 91.3 FM in Olsburg-Junction City, 89.9 FM in Atchison, 90.3 FM in Chanute, and 99.5 FM and 97.9 FM (KPR2) in Manhattan. KPR can be heard online at kansaspublicradio.org, and KPR2, a news-talk programming stream, which can be heard on an HD receiver or on KPR’s website.

Wed, 10/30/2019

author

Bobbi Washechek

Media Contacts

Bobbi Washechek

Kansas Public Radio

785-864-7853