USAF THE SHADES OF BLUE JAZZ ENSEMBLE

About this show

Join us for the next performance in our 2026-2027 Free Community Performance Series. Tickets are free and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning September 11, 2026 @ 10 AM. Enjoy a night out with the family and celebrate the arts at NPAC! The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble is a group of 18 professional enlisted musicians whose repertoire ranges from traditional big band jazz to bebop and swing, to modern jazz. At one of their concerts, you are just as likely to hear the music of contemporary composers as you would the classic sounds of Count Basie or Glenn Miller. Several of the band's members are also gifted composers and arrangers, and their compositions are often featured in concert. The band has backed many jazz greats such as Tex Benecke, Denis DiBlasio, Jamey Aebersold, Mike Smith, Bobby Shew, Allen Vizzutti, Jeff Jarvis, Mike Vax, Vaughn Nark, Bill Porter, Carmen Bradford, Shelley Berg, Joe Morello, Steve Houghton and Walt Levinsky. Furthermore, the ensemble is often requested for featured performances at jazz clinics and festivals throughout the country. Occasionally, the Shades of Blue marches onto home plate to perform national anthems for Chicago White Sox Major League Baseball games, or onto center court to perform for Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks National Basketball Association games. They also pay frequent tribute to the Air Force's musical heritage, and have collaborated with actor Wilford Brimley on a highly acclaimed salute to Major Glenn Miller. Whether performing for a head of state, before a capacity crowd in northern Wisconsin or for our troops at home and abroad, the Shades of Blue reflects the heritage and pride of our great nation and the United States Air Force. IMPORTANT SEATING INFORMATION: Orchestra level is sloped seating and does not require the ability to navigate stairs. Mezzanine and Balcony levels are stadium style seating and the ability to navigate stairs is necessary. Patrons with walking difficulties or other mobility issues should not select Mezzanine or Balcony Seating. When purchasing Balcony seating, please note that for the safety of our guests, there is a guidewire system extending across the entire front row of the balcony and some views may be considered obstructed. Seats designated with a ADA 🔴 are Handicapped Accessible seats with a transfer arm. Seats designated with a ♿ are Wheelchair positions and are void of theater seats to allow space for wheelchairs. Accessible Seating: Please contact the Box Office at 423.638.1679 for further assistance.