Big Band Session
with Kevin HicksSaturday, January 27, 2024 – 7:30 pm
Federal Way Performing Arts & Events Center
Concert Information
PROGRAM NOTES
Under the co-direction of Todd Zimberg and Lonnie Mardis, the Federal Way Symphony Big Band has been performing for more than 20 years. Fans of the genre appreciate their eclectic repertoire of Big Band standards, swing, jazz and more. Featured vocalist Maggie Laird is always an audience favorite.
The Soloist
The Musicians
MEET OUR SOLOIST
Kevin Hicks
Award-winning trombonist Kevin Hicks has established himself as one of the most important and creative voices on the jazz scene today, both as a performer and as an educator. With performing experience from around the world, ranging in context from clubs and performing arts centers to cruise ships and theme parks, Kevin Hicks is seasoned beyond his years.
After finishing his Master’s degree from University of Florida in 2014, Kevin moved to L.A and quickly became recognized. Not only in demand in L.A. but as a guest performing artist and educator on stages and classrooms across the United States and overseas. Kevin Hicks runs an independent online lesson studio and has released the books Trombone Visualizer and Sight-Reading Monster. Kevin is featured on many recordings as a sideman but Wave Tripping, his award-winning debut album as leader, was released February 2017 and features his many musical influences, special guests, and his melodic prowess through improvisation.
Please visit Kevin’s website here.
Kevin Hicks Videos
Meet the Musicians
Todd Zimberg
A graduate of Federal Way High School, Todd Zimberg earned a Masters in Music from the University of Washington and has been playing drums professionally and teaching in the Seattle area since the early 1980’s. He has worked extensively with blues, jazz, rock and R&B artists, including Northwest blues icons Duffy Bishop, Isaac Scott and ten years with Tom McFarland. Todd currently maintains commitments to The Maggie Laird Band, The Chris Stevens Band and Island Jazz Quintet. He has toured and backed national acts including a Bo Diddley, Fenton Robinson and Sam Andrew. His most recent recording is An Afternoon in Sellwood with pianist Michael Gotz and bassist Perry Thoorsell. Visit Todd’s website here.
Lonnie Mardis
A Northwest native, Lonnie Mardis received his Master’s Degree in Music Performance from the New England Conservatory. He is popular throughout the region as a touring musician and is a staple in the Seattle music scene. His ensembles play a variety of styles including jazz, swing, rock, blues and classical. He has performed with renowned artists Bobby Shrew, Roger Fischer and Pete Christlieb. His most recent recording is About the Day with the Lonnie Mardis Band. Visit Lonnie’s website here.
Maggie Laird
Maggie Laird has had a diverse career as a stage actress, music director for theatrical productions and as a singer and pianist in genres ranging from swing to rock. She hit the Seattle music scene with the New Wave group Blackwood-Laird, spent the 90s working on cruise ships and honing new skills and since 2000 has been the vocalist for the acclaimed Island Jazz Quintet. Maggie has recently released her first solo album, One More Manhattan. The 5-song EP was recorded in Nashville and received a 5-star review from All that Jazz. Visit Maggie’s website here.
