The SFA Swingin' Axes and Swingin' Aces

The Swingin’ Axes, Swingin’ Aces and the Faculty Jazz Combo from Stephen F. Austin State University will perform a fundraiser concert from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at LugNutz Bar & Grill. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the School of Music jazz program.


NACOGDOCHES, Texas – A fun evening of jazz featuring the Swingin’ Axes, Swingin’ Aces and the Faculty Jazz Combo from Stephen F. Austin State University will be presented from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at LugNutz Bar & Grill.

If weather permits, the jazz bands will perform on the outdoor stage. In inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors.

The Axes, directed by Dr. Deb Scott, professor of trombone, will perform a variety of music including big band favorites from the 1940s  and ’50s, such as Glenn Miller’s “American Patrol” and Count Basie’s “Fly Me to the Moon.” More modern jazz styles will include Gordon Goodwin’s energetic Latin-style “Mueva los Huesos” (Shake Your Bones) and Tower of Power’s funky “What Is Hip.”

The Swingin’ Aces, directed by Dr. J.D. Salas, associate professor of tuba and euphonium studies at SFA, will perform several standards from the library of the Count Basie and Stan Kenton Jazz orchestras, including “Put It Right Here,” “Just Friends” and “My Romance.”  They will also perform a fun jazz rendition of “Take Me Out to The Ballgame.”

The jazz combo will play jazz standards arranged by former SFA music professor the late Darrell Holt. Salas, playing bass, and Scott, playing trombone, will join Dr. Jacob Walburn, associate professor of trumpet, and Dr. Gary Wurtz, director of the School of Music, on trumpet, adjunct professor Mike McGowan on piano, and assistant professor Dr. Brad Meyers on drums.

Concert tickets may be purchased ahead of time at the SFA Fine Arts Box Office for $10. Tickets at the door will be $15. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu. Tickets do not include food or beverages.

All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the School of Music jazz program.

LugNutz is located at 5287 U.S. Highway 59 approximately five miles south of Loop 224, Nacogdoches. Drinks from the bar and food from LugNutz’ Spitfire Grill will be available for purchase.