A WINNING COMBINATION
ACOUSTIX and the DJO have shared the stage numerous times and have always left their audiences wanting more. For the ultimate entertainment package, consider booking these two "headliner acts" together. Each ensemble can perform a diverse program independently and combine forces with a finale tribute to the Four Freshmen that will "knock your socks off!"
The Dallas Jazz Orchestra was born 22 years ago because two men "had to play their horns." High school biology teacher Galen Jeter and then SMU professor Thom Mason with a few friends, set up shop in a rehearsal hall on the SMU campus and nearly blew the roof off the building as they let loose on tunes from Stan Kenton and the Woody Herman era.
But soon the DJO was too hot to keep a secret. The band started playing in clubs around Dallas, and in a few years, they were traveling around the world. But the bold, brassy big-band sound that originated in that SMU rehearsal hall is alive and well.
The DJO, as at the start 22 years ago, is composed of professional musicians, but many "daylight" as school teachers, music educators, auto mechanics, artists and even other band leaders. All are dedicated to promoting one of America’s other original art forms............Jazz.
The DJO has recorded 10 albums and has represented the USA at the Expo ‘92 World’s Fair in Spain, headlined twice on the main stage at the prestigious Montreal Jazz Festival and has starred on two Jazz cruises. The band has shared the stage and provided backup for many greats of the entertainment industry like Steve Allen, The Four Freshmen, Mel Torme, Joe Williams, Van Morrison, Doc Severinsen, Bob Hope, Bill Withers, Billy Eckstein, Diahann Carroll, Bobby Shew and many others too numerous to mention.
Last year the non-profit DJO received grants from the city of Dallas and the Texas Commission on the Arts to help continue the band’s programs of taking jazz to the community, with special interest on student education. The DJO also performs regularly at the Village Country Club. Call 214/265-STIX for more information.
