Acclaimed saxophonist and composer Steve Kortyka headlines an extraordinary evening of music featuring an all-star big band assembled from some of the finest musicians on the Cleveland jazz scene. This special concert will present premiere large-ensemble arrangements of music by Radiohead, Imogen Heap, Carla Bley, Lady Gaga, and Walter Smith III, alongside original compositions by Kortyka written specifically for this ensemble.

Bridging contemporary popular music, modern jazz, and original works, the program explores the expressive possibilities of the jazz orchestra through fresh interpretations and newly imagined sonic landscapes. Audiences can expect lush orchestration, inventive improvisation, and a dynamic range of musical influences brought together by a band of exceptional artistry and versatility.

The ensemble features:

Thomas Shinabek, Ronell Regis, John Klayman, Chris Coles, and Dick Engersol on saxophones

Zack Warren, Chris Anderson, Jimmy Redmond, and Mark Mauldin on trombones

Scott McKee, Tommy Lehman, Garrett Folger, and a special guest trumpeter

Zakk Jones on guitar
Darren Frate on bass
Steve Renko on drums
a special guest pianist

With many of Cleveland's most sought-after performers sharing the stage, this one-night-only event offers a rare opportunity to hear ambitious new works and premiere arrangements performed by a world-class ensemble dedicated to creative music at the highest level.

For more info on Steve, visit him at www.stevekortyka.com

Tickets for tonight are $25 each in advance, $30 day of show (plus $3 per ticket processing fee).

This show will not be livestreamed.

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Steve Kortyka is a nationally recognized saxophonist, composer, and educator who recently relocated from NYC to Cleveland. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, Kortyka has established himself as a first-call performer across a wide range of musical settings—from hard-swinging quartets to full orchestras.

He is a long-time member of the the Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s touring jazz band, performing as a featured soloist on world tours and contributing orchestrations for many high-profile performances. His work as an arranger and soloist can be heard on multiple Grammy Award-winning projects, and he has appeared on the stages of some of NYC’s most prestigious venues including SNL and Carnegie Hall backing up nationally acclaimed artists like RAYE and Justin Hurwitz (LaLa Land)

An active composer and recording artist, Steve has released multiple albums under his own name. In addition to performing, he is a passionate educator with a strong belief in the connection between improvisation, composition, and personal expression —regularly giving clinics and masterclasses at high schools and universities nationwide.