On Friday, Nov. 19, music and theatre join forces for an evening of free entertainment at Southwestern College.  The SC Student Jazz Combo concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by Southwestern College’s Nine Lives Laughatorium and Good Times Improvisational Comedy Troupe at 7:30 p.m.  Both family-friendly events will be in Messenger Recital Hall in the Darbeth Fine Arts Center.  There is no admission charge. 

“This show is steeped in music,” says troupe director Allyson Moon.  “There are going to be many musical elements and games in the show.  This will be an evening filled with lots of fun for the kids.”

The SC Jazz Combo will perform under the direction of Jimmy Leach, assistant professor of music and director of jazz at Southwestern.  The band features Tony Gropper on vocals and tenor sax, Ian Phillips on bass, Nick Hofmeister on drums, Jonathan Woon on guitar, Joanna Woon on piano, Tanner Seidel on flugelhorn, and Hunter Rockhill on trumpet.

Their set list includes Sonny Rollins's "Blue 7," Van Morrison's "Moondance," George Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm," Johnny Mercer's "Autumn Leaves," John Coltrane's "Impressions," Tom Jobim's "The Girl From Ipanema," Erroll Garner's "Misty," Herbie Hancock's "Chameleon," and Charles Mingus's "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting."

"These swingers work without a net and never do a tune the same way twice,” says Leach.  “It's a musical conversation from the get-go. They cover all the bases including standards, gospel, love songs, blues, and rock. You must see them to believe them."

The Nine Lives performers include Cody Davis, Jordy Train, and Abby Bartel.  The Kittens (apprentices) of the troupe include Chris Cole, Justin Tinker, C.J. Johnson, Marilyn Kraft, and Caitlynn French.

“Bring props,” Moon says.  “Bring some crazy stuff that you may have around the house or garage, but make sure it is sturdy.  The actors will transform them to be used in other ways than intended.”

Any props used during the show will be returned to audience members. 

For more information, call (620) 221-7720