In the history of Jazz, there is only one bandleader that has the distinction of having his orchestra still performing sold-out concerts all over the world, with members personally chosen by him, for nearly 40 years after his passing. Pianist and bandleader William James “Count” Basie was and still is an American institution that personifies the grandeur and excellence of jazz.
The Count Basie Orchestra is the opening performance of the 2025-2026 UNCG Concert and Lecture Series (UCLS), and will be in the UNCG Auditorium on Friday, October 17th.
“The Count Basie Orchestra is a true institution in jazz. It has helped to define so many aspects of the way this music is played. To listen to the Basie band is to experience a living tradition,” says Thomas Heflin, Associate Professor of Jazz and Brass. “It is an unforgettable experience. The music is happy, buoyant, uplifting, and accessible to everyone. This is a rare opportunity for our community to hear a world-class big band right here in Greensboro.”
The Count Basie Orchestra, today directed by Scotty Barnhart, has won every respected jazz poll in the world at least once; won 18 Grammy Awards; performed for Kings, Queens, and other world Royalty; appeared in several movies and television shows; and at every major jazz festival and major concert hall in the world.
Some of the greatest soloists, composers, arrangers, and vocalists in jazz history such as Lester Young, Billie Holiday, Frank Foster, Thad Jones, Sonny Payne, Freddie Green, Snooky Young, Frank Wess, and Joe Williams, became international stars once they began working with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Today’s 18-member orchestra is continuing the history started by Basie of stomping and shouting the blues, as well as refining those musical particulars that allow for the deepest and most moving of swing.
In addition to public performances, UCLS includes dedicated, selective interactions between visiting artists and UNCG students, offering them unique learning opportunities in the form of moderated conversations, jam sessions, and master classes.
These are often once-in-a-lifetime experiences that enhance the learning experience, according to Professor Heflin.
“For our students, the chance to interact directly with members of the Count Basie Orchestra will give them insights into what it means to perform at the highest level, especially when it comes to the understanding the history of the music and the ensemble awareness that makes Basie’s band sound so together.”
Tickets for the Count Basie Orchestra performance are available at ucls.uncg.edu, and there are special, discounted rates for faculty, staff, and students. Tickets are also available for the entire 25-26 UCLS season which includes:
Leslie Odom Jr., a multifaceted, award-winning vocalist, songwriter, author, and actor who has received recognition through his Tony and Grammy Awards, as well as multiple Emmy and Academy Award nominations for his excellence and achievements in Broadway, television, film, and music.
Ephrat Asherie Dance, a New York City-based company rooted in African American and Latine street and club dances and investigates the narrative qualities of various vernacular forms including breaking, hip hop, house, and vogue, to tell stories, to develop imagery, and to find new modes of expression.
Lawrence Brownlee, a leading figure in opera—both as a singer who has graced the world’s leading stages, captivating audiences and critics around the globe—and as a voice for activism and diversity in the industry. He has been hailed by the New York Times as “an international star in the bel canto operatic repertory.”
The season also includes the School of Music’s annual Collage concert, two Robinson Family Visiting Jazz Artist performances— Pianist Christian Sands and bassist John Clayton, and a Falk Visiting Artist talk with Stacy Lynn Waddell.
UCLS is supported by these generous sponsors and the University, which allows us to bring leading artists to our campus and the community:
Presenting Sponsors Joseph M. Bryan, Jr. and the Cemala Foundation
Underwriting Sponsors Melissa Greer/Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices, and UNCG Housing and Residence Life
Hospitality Sponsor Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels
Media Sponsor Our State magazine
Performance sponsors include Pam and David Sprinkle (Ephrat Asherie Dance) and Pamela Pittman and Ward Robinson (Robinson Family Visiting Jazz Artists).
