A Night at the Village – Celebrating the Music of the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Big Band

Critical Mass Big Band showcases the music of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, renowned for their performances at The Village Vanguard from 1965 to 1978. The band pays tribute to one of the most influential big bands to emerge since the swing era.Critical Mass Big Band stands at the cornerstone in the contemporary jazz scene of Seattle. This group consistently delivers high-energy big band jazz which never fails to impress. Celebrating twenty-five years of music making in 2026, this premier 18-piece group includes Paul Gillespie, Barbara Hubers-Drake, Al Lowe, Ian Basques-Jellison, and Sara Voskhul on saxophones; Jim Elder, Dave Buck, Doug Lora, and Vinnie Christ on trombone; Marty Molloy, Jeff Leinbaugh, Mark Baker, Greg Klein, and Victor Ross on trumpet; Seth Ahnert on piano; Neal Adams on guitar; Phil Demaree on bass; and Rob Parks on drums. 

Al Lowe – alto saxophone

Barbara Hubers-Drake – alto saxophone

Paul Gillespie – tenor saxophone

Ian Basques-Jellison – tenor saxophone

Sara Voskuhl – baritone saxophone

Jim Elder – trombone

Dave Buck – trombone

Doug Lora – trombone

Vinnie Christ – bass trombone

Marty Molloy – trumpet/flugelhorn

Jeff Leinbaugh – trumpet/flugelhorn

Mark Baker – trumpet/flugelhorn

Greg Klein – trumpet/flugelhorn

Victor Ross – trumpet/flugelhorn

Neal Adams – guitar

Seth Ahnert – piano

Phil Demaree – bass

Rob Park – drums