CCO Press Release 1

Smooth shiny instruments all in a row, red-hot lyrics, silky smooth ensemble work, spicy brass harmonies,a joyful audience bouncing and swaying to irresistible rhythms, and the sound of “Hi Di Ho!” filling theaters on cue: These have been the classic trademarks of concerts by The Cab Calloway Orchestra ever since the 1920s. They are the ingredients that made the orchestra a hit when it played the Palais Royale in downtown South Bend in 1939, and it’s the same mix that gives the group its energy and popularity today. These days, under the baton of Cab’s grandson, Calloway Brooks, the Orchestra delivers the same sizzling jazz sound and snazzy stage style, producing the jump, blues, and boogie sounds of “swing that is king and jive that’s alive.” The band, some of whose amazing musicians have played with the group for decades, uses original vintage orchestrations as a point of departure, creating an authentic brand of hot Cotton Club-style music and hijinks.

Growing up in a musical family, Orchestra Director Calloway Brooks had the advantages of both nature and nurture. He started playing guitar at age seven, won his first awards at the advanced age of nine, and later graduated from the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music. He says that the many years of experience with his famous grandfather were a cornerstone of his musical education. It’s not surprising that Brooks has appeared with a veritable “Who’s Who” of jazz and big band orchestras and stars, or that he performs at venues ranging from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Lincoln Center to the Rome Opera House. The Firefly Festival is pleased to welcome Brooks and the high-spirited Cab Calloway Orchestra to Michigan to kick off the 22nd annual season.

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January 14, 2002

Nazareth Welcomes The Cab Calloway Orchestra, Feb. 9

Throw on your zoot suit and get ready to sing those "Hi-de-Ho's" with Minnie the Moocher because the Cab Calloway Orchestra is coming to Nazareth College's Arts Center on Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. Cab Calloway was a native of Rochester who made "Hi-De-Ho" famous. Now, Cab's grandson, Calloway Brooks (Prince of the Hi-De-Ho), is keeping the tradition alive. You'll be transported back to the golden age at the Cotton Club when Cab Calloway himself made Harlem the hot spot of New York City nightlife. This special event is part of Coldrush 2002 presented by the Rochester Visitors Association. Tickets are $32 dollars. For tickets and more information, call (585) 389-2170.

The Cab Calloway Orchestra is now under the baton of Cab's grandson, C. Calloway Brooks. The Calloway family has been dazzling audiences since the1920s, and this year is no exception. Using the Calloway band's original vintage orchestrations as a starting point, coupled with the awesome musicians who have played with this big band for decades, The Cab Calloway Orchestra brings Harlem jazz to life.

The orchestra has earned rave reviews that live up to its famous name. "Brooks maintained his brilliant level of performance to the end," said The Boston Globe. Some of the Calloway Orchestra favorites include "Minnie the Moocher (Hi-De-Ho)," "Stormy Weather," "It Ain't Necessarily So," and "Geechie Joe."

Cab Calloway was born in Rochester in 1907, but the "Hi-De-Ho King" received most of his early education in Baltimore. He attended The Crane School in Chicago before taking a job as singer and bandleader in an area nightclub. His success brought him to New York City where he was signed to headline Harlem's legendary Cotton Club. After a decade at the helm in Harlem, Calloway enjoyed a recording and touring career that continued until his death in 1994.

Cab Calloway passed on his love of music and his beloved orchestra to his grandson. C. Calloway Brooks started playing guitar at age seven, won his first musical awards at age nine, and went on to graduate from the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music. He credits the many years of experience with his grandfather as the cornerstone of his musical education. Brooks has performed at all sorts of venues including The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln Center, and The Rome Opera House.