SWOSU Jazz Festival Tickets Available—Band Registration Deadline Approaching

Tickets for the 55th Annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Jazz Festival, featuring the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, are still available for purchase! The festival, taking place on Feb. 13-14, 2025, will host a variety of performances and clinics for all to enjoy.

Regional middle school, high school, and university jazz bands are invited to participate in the Big Band Festival, which offers opportunities for bands to perform and receive feedback from expert judges. Registration for the Big Band Festival is open, with the deadline quickly approaching on Jan. 24, 2025. Outstanding soloists will receive certificates, with two exceptional soloists awarded free tuition scholarships to a 2025 SWOSU Music camp. Bands interested in performing can register through the official event site: https://swosujazzfest.com/director-information/.

Festival highlights include the following:

Thursday, Feb. 13

• 7 p.m.: "In the Mix" Combo Performance, featuring members of the Count Basie Orchestra
• 9 p.m.: Hors d'oeuvres Rendezvous at the Best Western Plus

Friday, Feb. 14

• 8 a.m.-7 p.m.: Big Band Festival
• 9:30 a.m.: "Practice Tips for Improv" Clinic
• 11 a.m.: "The Count Basie Orchestra 1935-2025: A Complete History" Clinic
• 1 p.m.: SWOSU Jazz Orchestra Concert; $25 general admission ticket
• 3 p.m.: "Playing the Basie Way" Clinic
• 5 p.m.: Jazz with Pizzazz Buffet Dinner
• 8 p.m.: Legendary Count Basie Orchestra Concert; $35 general admission ticket

All former SWOSU Jazz students are invited to join Dr. Terry Segress on stage as the opening act of the festival as a celebration of the rich history of the jazz program at SWOSU. Alumni can sign up for the band at https://swosujazzfest.com/alumni-information/.

Tickets for the Count Basie Orchestra concert are available at $35 for general admission, $20 for seniors, and $10 for students. The "Atomic Basie Pass," which includes a concert ticket and buffet dinner, is available for $55. Tickets for the SWOSU Jazz Orchestra are priced at $25 for general admission, $15 for seniors, and $10 for students. Purchase tickets online at https://bit.ly/48SmU4n.

For further details about the festival, ticket purchases, or Big Band Festival registration, contact Dr. Richard Tirk at [email protected] or visit the official website at www.swosujazzfest.com.

About the Count Basie Orchestra

The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, now directed by Scotty Barnhart, continues to uphold the legacy of its founder, pianist and bandleader William James "Count" Basie. The orchestra has won 18 Grammy Awards and performed for royalty, in films, and at major jazz festivals worldwide. Their most recent accolade includes a 2024 Grammy win for Best Large Jazz Ensemble for "Basie Swings the Blues." This esteemed 18-member orchestra features some of the greatest soloists, composers, arrangers, and vocalists in jazz history.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of over 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.