Their engaging style and humorous delivery kept the audience entertained throughout the performance. The Side Street Strutters have one of the best symphonic POPS presentations that I have seen.

-Michael Krajewski, 
Guest POPS Conductor, 
Houston, Long Beach, 
New Mexico, and 
Jacksonville Symphonies
 
 
 
 
 
 

The playing was virtuosic, musical and stylish, the stage presence was warm and engaging...  The most pleasing aspect was the high quality of the arrangements.

-Jack Fishman,
Executive Director, 
Long Beach Symphony

Symphony POPS Programs

The Side Street Strutters are pleased to unveil an exciting new symphony POPS program designed for small chamber orchestras up to full size 70 piece professional symphony orchestras.  The show offers 10 beautifully orchestrated arrangements encompassing a half century of American Jazz Classics.  This powerful and entertaining presentation encompasses jazz styles from the New Orleans Dixieland and Blues sounds of Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong, popular jazz melodies of Porter and Carmichael, and exciting swing sounds of the big band era, featuring the music of Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and others. 

The orchestrations were conceived by Joey Sellers, the Strutter's trombonist, who is the recipient of the Gil Evan's/Readers Digest Award for composition presented by the National Endowment for the Arts.  Mr. Seller's arrangements allow the orchestra to be an integral  musical partner, incorporating playful,  light-hearted interactive moments between the orchestra and the jazz band.  Colorful costumes, tap dancing, a Mardi-Gras procession, and the use of rare musical instruments add to the uniqueness and festiveness of the presentation.  The following is a description of the musical selections available for your POPS performances:

1.  Dan Le Rue D'Antibes

Celebrate the spirit and festiveness of New Orleans with this French Legionaires march.  The ensemble parades from the rear of the performance venue to the stage while bringing to life the rich sights and sounds from the firthplace of jazz.

2.  Dixieland Medley

 Alexander's Ragtime Band
 Five Foot Two, Eyes Of Blue
 Take Me Out To The Ball Game
 The Charleston

The Strutters take you back to a time when straw hats, arms bands and raccoon coats were the fashion.  This medley of Roaring 20s hits features singing, dancing, and audience participation.  

3.  Basin St. Blues

Jazz grew up in many cities throughout America, but the city of New Orleans is recognized as being the true birthplace of this indigenous American art form. Basin St. pays tribute to one of the many famous streets where jazz was first heard.  The musical arrangement concludes with an old style "cutting contest" between the Strutters' trombonist and trumpeter, who performs on the rare slide trumpet.

4.  Just A Closer Walk With Thee

Just A Closer Walk has been used for many years during funeral ceremonies. After leading the procession to the cemetery in a slow, dirge style, the band picks up the tempo as guests celebrate life.  the treatment of this piece is full of lush writing for the orchestra.

5.  Tiger Rag

This fast tempo, high energy arrangement  is jam-packed with humorous, entertaining antics.  It is performed without orchestra but allows the conductor an opportunity to get involved in the fun.  The orchestra plays off the band with an innovative reprise.

6.  It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing

The art of tap dancing is featured in this timeless swing selection.  The orchestral arrangement allows your pops conductor to join in on the fun and tap dance as well.

7.  Don't Get Around Much Anymore

The great Duke Ellington wrote this classic ballad.  It is so recognizable and well loved that it usually inspires singing from the audience.

8.  Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White

Prez Prado and his orchestra had a big hit with this popular 1950s trumpet feature.  Before the selection begins, the audience is treated to a brief recording of the Strutters' trumpet player performing this song when he was just five years old!

9.  Stardust

The Strutters proudly pay tribute to the famous composer Hoagy Carmichael. This beautifully crafted orchestral arrangement features tight ensemble playing and four-part harmonies.

10. Sing, Sing, Sing

Considered by some to be the greatest swing number of all time. Written by master showman and trumpeter, Louis Prima, this Benny Goodman classic always inspires a standing ovation.

11.  When The Saints Go Marching In 

This traditional New Orleans spiritual is a great show closer.  The Strutters invite the audience to clap and sing along.  The orchestration allows for the option of strolling throughout the audience in the traditional spirit and festiveness of a New Orleans Mardi Gras, complete with bead tossing.