Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Wednesday, May 21
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Arts»Jazz festival is a 30-year tradition
    Arts

    Jazz festival is a 30-year tradition

    Stuart SudakBy Stuart SudakSeptember 24, 20212 Mins Read
    The Jazz on the Prairie Big Band will be one of seven bands that performs Sept. 26 at the Staring Lake Amphitheatre. Photo courtesy of Jim Penn

    The Minnesota Festival of Jazz on the Prairie began about 30 years ago to showcase big band jazz ensembles in the Twin Cities.

    That’s according to Rob Estrine, director of the Jazz on the Prairie Big Band. It is one of seven bands performing in the festival from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Staring Lake Amphitheatre, 14800 Pioneer Trail. 

    Each band plays for 45 minutes at the start of each hour of the festival.

    The bands perform in this order: Just Friends Big Band; Good News Big Band; Bend in the River Big Band; ACME Jazz Company; River City Jazz Orchestra; Genesis Jazz Orchestra; and Jazz on the Prairie Big Band.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    For the last few years, Estrine has helped organize the festival with other jazz band directors.

    He said the community bands are made up of volunteer musicians. The players get together to keep the tradition of big band music alive and well.

    According to Estrine, big band jazz has been popular since the 1930s “swing era” with such familiar names as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman.

    He said it continues to be popular, with many composers writing new music.

    “Many of the bands performing at our Minnesota Festival of Jazz on the Prairie have even performed original compositions and arrangements created by their members,” he said.

    A few years after the festival began, he said the Eden Prairie Noon Rotary Club joined in the fun with its Rib Fest fundraiser.

    “What could be better than lots of great, swinging big band jazz with a side of ribs, all washed down with an ice-cold beer!” Estrine said.

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleLane closures begin Friday evening
    Next Article Jazz on the Prairie, Rib Fest blend music, food

    More to READ

    5 Mins Read

    ‘Fountain of Youth’ is fool’s gold

    May 21, 2025
    4 Mins Read

    May bike party undeterred by wind and cold

    May 20, 2025
    4 Mins Read

    St. Andrew choir to perform at Carnegie Hall

    May 15, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Giant beaver is one signature away from becoming Minnesota’s state fossil

    May 21, 2025

    ‘Fountain of Youth’ is fool’s gold

    May 21, 2025

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.