While attending the City College Big Band Jazz show at the SOhO Restaurant and Music Club, a vibrant energy of excitement emanated from the audience. Older couples held hands, sharing silent promises while families sat restless with anticipation, ready to burst into applause for their performing family members. 

Witnessing the enduring essence of local venues is encouraging when you see such a great turnout. Here, and in many other smaller venues, the artist is so close to the audience that the crowd has a deeper emotional connection to the performance.

The Good Times Big Band took to the stage as they prepared for their performance. The conductor, Eric Heidner, introduced the band before they launched into their opening number, “Long Ago and Far Away” by Chet Baker, also known as “The Prince of Cool.” 

Following this, Heidner highlighted Rob Cortez, the band’s baritone saxophone talent, in preparation for their next piece. 

The band then eased into “Lush Life,” a longer ballad with “a few emotional swings.” Billy Strayhorn, who is also most famous for his arrangement of Duke Ellington’s classic “Take the A Train,” crafted this piece, which showcased the band’s emotional range and ability to explore complex landscapes through music.

Eric Heidner captured the audience with the fascinating backstory of Tommy Newsom, who was most famously known for filling in on “The Johnny Carson Show” whenever Doc Severinsen was absent. 

Heidner continued, revealing that the band would next perform Newsom’s arrangement of the classic “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me” by Duke Ellington. “How My Heart Sings” is the following arrangement before Hedier thanked the crowd and presented the last song, “Long Last Love” by Cole Porter. 

The Lunch Break Band amazed the audience SOhO with a mix of solos, music from video games, jazz, and a Brazilian-influenced closer. Members Ethan F., Cannan V., Jay H., Julio L., and vocalist Angel Valenzuela showcased diverse talents, from a powerful opening with individual solos to a captivating arrangement of “Beneath the Mask.” The evening transitioned through jazz standards to end on the high note of the conductor’s “Como Vai,” leaving the audience mesmerized by their skillful blend of styles.

Correction: April 5, 2024
This story includes spelling corrections to a previous version. Eric Heidner, not Heider