Big Band Blab Luncheon

Big Band Blab Luncheon featuring John Clayton, Bill Holman, Kim Richmond, Gordon Goodwin and Duane Tatro – with special guests Paul Hefti, Devyn Rush.

PLEASE NOTE: The date has been changed (from Wednesday) to Tuesday, May 29th 11:30 am @ Catalina’s Hollywood. 

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Featured guestsPaul Hefti and vocalist Devyn Rush will pay tribute to Paul’s father Neal Hefti with Kim Richmon and the ASMAC All-Stars. Preceded by the roundtable Big Band Blab with John Clayton, Bill Holman, Kim Richmond, Gordon Goodwin, Duane Tatro, and other special guests as they chat about the life of a big band musician. Working as a player or arranger with Stan Kenton, Count Basie Band, Airmen of Note and other greats. Including some tips for arrangers, instrumentation concepts, road warrior stories and much more.

Paul Hefti as CEO & President of Neal Hefti Music is directing the musical business of his father; ASCAP Hall of Fame composer Neal Hefti.  As leader of Hefti Plays Hefti, Paul brings to the performance stage the music and the story behind the story of Neal’s brilliant career and life.

“The music of my father, Neal Hefti, has inspired me throughout my life; whether the iconic songs he wrote or arranged for the likes of Count Basie and Frank Sinatra, or the classic movie and TV themes that echoed from the theaters and living rooms of my youth… When my generation ushered in the Rock era, a counter-punch to Big Band jazz, Neal never felt threatened by it; he kept writing and listening. As his career moved from the 40’s through the 50’s, and on through the 60’s, he never fought the sea of change – he swam it. It didn’t matter where his melodies came from; they just seemed to stick with you”

Devyn Rush grew up in a musical family, in a town outside of Philadelphia. She began singing as soon as she could talk and began acting in musicals and TV as a kid. Devyn fell in love with jazz during her teen years and was the vocalist and bassist in her high school’s jazz band. When she was 15, she performed at Lincoln Center, originating a role in the 2007 Tony Award-winning musical, Spring Awakening. Devyn has written songs for artists in Austria and Korea. A song she co-wrote, entitled “Mystery,” was #2 on the iTunes K-Pop Charts in early 2017, and she has two new co-written songs being released in Korea this year. 

Since being featured on season 10 of American Idol, Devyn has used her gifts to make a positive impact in the world. She now speaks nationally on behalf of the bully prevention organization, Hey U.G.L.Y. (Unique.Gifted.Lovable.You.), and was recently featured on The Steve Harvey Show to coach a young girl through bullying & self-esteem issues. Devyn Rush is currently the lead female vocalist in HEFTI PLAYS HEFTI, a 9-piece band, led by Paul Hefti, that celebrates the music of his father – the late composer/arranger, Neal Hefti.  More info at DevynRush.com