The Hillcats enter the spotlight on campus with their upcoming performance “Home Style.” Hillsdale College’s faculty jazz ensemble will perform on Friday, Nov. 16 at 8:00 p.m. in McNamara Hall. Comprised entirely of original music written by the band, the concert will incorporate a variety of unique genres as well as offering the audience a more traditional swing style of jazz.
The Hillcats’ performance will center around the inspired creativity of each bandmate. Each member of the Hillcats composed music for the concert to perform. A highlighted theme of the night is the diversity of original songs with inspiration found in Latin, rock, and swing.
One performance in particular that the band is looking forward to is bass player Hank Horton’s original song that draws numerous elements from famed musician Frank Zappa. The piece will reportedly reflect the intense, mesmerizing, and challenging nature of Zappa’s style.
Adjunct Instructor of Music and pianist Arlene McDaniel, meanwhile, has composed a ballad for the evening.
“We have such amazing faculty members who can impart their ideas and make something really cool,” Director of Jazz Ensembles Chris McCourry said. “I believe this will be the best original concert we have ever had.”
For students unable to attend Friday’s performance, the Hillcats will have a public dress rehearsal on Thursday, Nov. 15 at McNamara from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. This dress rehearsal will in many ways serve not only as a review for Friday night’s performance but a test run for interest in afternoon concerts.
“We are going to start doing dress rehearsals open to the public, beginning this Thursday,” Director McCourry said. “And perhaps in the future there may the chance for that to expand into afternoon concerts.”
