Champagne Fountain of Joy

The J.C. Hopkins Biggish Band, Champagne Fountain of Joy, returns, featuring top local jazz players in a thirteen-piece ?biggish? band. Performing his own tunes, composer-pianist Hopkins leads his band from Bop to Swing to Soul, packing a tight sound for dancers and listeners alike.

The Biggish Band will highlight sizzling hot brass and reed veterans of the Basie, Ellington, and Hampton Bands: James Zollar (trumpet), Mark MacGowan (trumpet), J. Walter Hawkes (trombone), and Cleve Guyton (alto sax). Also appearing will be: Lewis Barnes (trumpet and vocals – Burnt Sugar, William Parker Quartet), Norbert Stachel (tenor sax – Tower of Power), Doug Weiselman (baritone sax – Lou Reed, John Zorn), Vincent Chancey (French horn – Sun Ra Arkestra). Catherine Popper (bass – Hem), and guitarist Jim Campilongo round out the rhythm section. Special guest vocalists Sylvia Gordon and Lezlie Harrison add vibrancy and style to the evening’s proceedings.