The Aristocrats to Jazz Up Grist Mill Park

A talented jazz ensemble that’s an offshoot of the 18-piece big band group Swing Shift will delight crowds at Grist Mill Park this Friday night.  The Aristocrats is an “iconic jazz quintet” comprised of a pianist, bassist, drummer, saxophone and trumpet player.

The evening is part of the Fairfax County Park Authority's summer entertainment series Mount Vernon Nights.

Trumpeter Jack Seaver has played with famous musicians like Stevie Wonder, but was more concerned with bragging about his band mates’ talent than “trumpeting” his own horn.

“David Hyams, he’s just a specatacular keyboard player, he’s a monster pianist,” Seaver said.  “And [saxophone player] Ron Oshima is a fabulous soloist, he’s a regular at the W Hotel.”

Seaver said fill-in bassist Bob Shann is classically trained and has played with some real luminaries.  Seaver describes drummer Albert Klopfer as “a particular master with the brushes.”

Barkley Kern, who Seaver said is a “fantastic Big Band singer,” will also join the quintet for several songs Friday night.

“Jazz is often referred to as being the only uniquely American art form and it probably is,” Seaver said. “It had its roots in New Orleans and Chicago and is based on the idea that the heart of the music is the spontaneous improvisation.”

Seaver said expect to hear some familiar tunes like "Bye, Bye, Blackbird" Friday night.

“We try to keep our music accessible for the audience.  We’re here to entertain,” Seaver said.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and is free.

For last minute performance cancellations due to inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time.

Mount Vernon Nights is made possible through the efforts of the Mount Vernon District Supervisor, friends of Mount Vernon Nights and the generous support of:

AAA Recycling & Trash Removal Services
Cox Communications, Inc.
Dominion
ExxonMobil
Giant Food Inc.
Virginia Commision for the Arts