The Chad Willis Orchestra
The Chad Willis Orchestra
6:30pm Doors
7pm Show
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
$25 – General Seating
$35 – VIP Tables
+$10 on all ticket tiers at the door
*One drink minimum per person
Trumpeter, bandleader, and educator Chad Willis brings the Chad Willis Jazz Orchestra to The Grape for The Power of the Big Band, featuring powerhouse vocalist Maiya Sykes. A Schilke Artist with degrees from the USC Thornton School of Music and University of North Texas, Willis has performed with Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, The Manhattan Transfer, Kurt Elling, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, the Fort Worth Symphony, and The Blues Brothers, and has worked with acclaimed artists and bandleaders including Bill Holman, John Daversa, and Brian Bromberg.
The Chad Willis Jazz Orchestra brings together many of Southern California’s finest musicians, combining the excitement and tradition of the classic big band with adventurous arrangements, exceptional guest artists, and the unmistakable energy of a full jazz orchestra. For this special performance, the ensemble welcomes Maiya Sykes, whose soulful voice and commanding stage presence have made her a sought-after vocalist across pop, soul, and jazz.
Sykes has performed and recorded backing vocals for artists including The Black Eyed Peas, Macy Gray, Fantasia, Joss Stone, Michael Bublé, Leona Lewis, and Rita Ora, and appeared as a vocalist in the Academy Award-winning film La La Land. Following her four-chair-turning appearance on The Voice, she became a featured performer with Postmodern Jukebox, with her performances generating millions of views.
Together, Willis, Sykes, and the orchestra celebrate the power and excitement of big-band music with selections associated with Doc Severinsen, Harry James, Patrick Williams, Diane Schuur, Buddy Rich, and more. With soaring vocals, thrilling trumpet features, hard-swinging rhythms, and bold ensemble writing, The Power of the Big Band showcases everything a world-class live jazz orchestra can deliver.
Saxes
Alto 1 – Brandon Wilkins
Alto 2 – Steven Ragsdale
Tenor 1 – Phillip Whack
Tenor 2 – Kyle O’Donnell
Bari – Quinn Dymalski
Trumpets
Sean Billings
Matt Fronke
Anne King
Kris Bergh
Trombones
Lindsay McMurray
Bob Lawrence
Tommy Griffith
Robert Todd Jr.
Rhythm Section
Bryan Velasco
John DePatie
John Urban
Marcello Carelli