Jazz Takes A Holiday is a unique program of Big Band Jazz and Holiday Music which features a rare, live performance of The Nutcracker Suite by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky as arranged by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. It was written in 1961, while the band was appearing at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas.

In addition, the program includes seasonal music in the style of and recorded by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. The music of Stan Kenton will be represented by selections from his album A Merry Christmas. Rounding out the program are big band versions of traditional Chanukah selections.

Dick Lowenthal’s career spans over 45 years as a bandleader, trumpet player, and jazz educator. He has performed with such luminaries as Clark Terry, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Cher, Anita O’Day and Ella Fitzgerald. Dick conducted the Glenn Miller Special Unit Orchestra for over 10 years, at the Tony Awards, and tours of Poland, Brazil, South America, and several cruises.

Steve Leeds, a popular Florida vocalist has sung at such New York City landmarks as the Plaza and Waldorf Astoria hotels, and recently at Birdland, in a Tribute to Cy Coleman. He was co-leader at the Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Plaza, for 3 years.