header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
September 19
1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house


Skip Spiro’s 10-piece Jazz/Blues Project will play a special concert in tribute to Dirk Fischer, the legendary College of the Canyons music department chief and jazz composer-arranger, at Vincenzo’s in Newhall on Wednesday, July 26 starting at 7 p.m.

Led by Spiro, a trumpet player and alumnus of Fischer’s Studio Jazz Ensemble big band at COC, the 10-Piece Jazz-Blues Project will perform one show only featuring original compositions and arrangements by Fischer, who headed the college’s Jazz Studies program from 1977-2005, when he (semi-)retired. Fischer died February 28, 2013 at age 88 (read his obituary here).

Spiro, a 33-year resident of the Santa Clarita Valley, played trumpet in the Studio Jazz Ensemble under Fischer’s direction for 25 years.

“Dirk not only was a personal friend and mentor to me but was also the musical heart and soul of our community for many years,” Spiro said. “Dirk inspired me to form my own jazz/blues group, and we continue to perform throughout the Los Angeles area to this day.”

Skip Spiro. Courtesy photo.

About Skip Spiro’s 10-Piece Jazz/Blues Project
Spiro’s 10-Piece Jazz/Blues Project performs the original works of some of the most creative composer/arrangers on the scene today. The sound of the group is an eclectic mix of the traditional big band era of the ’30s and ’40s, the burnin’ New York bebop scene of the ’50s and ’60s, the rock/funk/Latin fusion scene that came to follow, and forms yet to be defined.

“The beauty of this 10-piece format is that we’re big enough to produce a full ensemble sound, yet small enough to shine the spotlight on each of the players,” Spiro said. “So the focus of the group is on new original material (along with re-worked standards and such) designed to feature each of these great ensemble players as soloists in their own right.

“In the traditional sense, there are no sidemen in this band,” Spiro said. “Everyone is a featured soloist. This not only makes for a great musical experience but also for a very happy band. And of course judging from responses we receive night after night, that enthusiasm translates right out there to the audience!”

About Skip Spiro
Skip Spiro is originally from New York where the family musical gene was passed on from grandmother Rose (piano teacher) to father Stan (saxophonist and bandleader) to son Skip (trumpeter, flugelhornist, valve trombonist).

At the age of 13, Spiro was the youngest musician admitted to the Stan Kenton Summer Jazz Clinics at the University Of Connecticut. There, he was selected to play lead trumpet with the Herb Pomeroy Orchestra.

At the age of 14, Spiro put together his first band, a 15-piece jazz ensemble. Skip Spiro and The Rhythm Kings Orchestra went on to appear on “The Merry Mailman” and “Chubby Jackson” local New York television shows, as well as NBC’s “The Merv Griffin Show.”

Spiro continued as a very busy bandleader throughout his high school years, playing weddings, jazz clubs, high school proms and local beach clubs, appearing several times with legendary jazz trumpet player and big band leader Maynard Ferguson.

At the University of Massachusetts, Spiro once again formed a large jazz ensemble that became very much in demand touring the New England area and was regularly featured on the UMass radio station WMUA.

Over the years, Spiro has continued as an active musician on the West Coast, having appeared with Spiral Staircase, Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers, The Wolfman Jack Show, and Tina Turner.

Today’s current version of the Skip Spiro Band is in the form of his 10-Piece Jazz/Blues Project.

In addition to Spiro out front on trumpet, flugelhorn and valve trombone, the group is comprised of two trumpets, three saxes, trombone, piano, bass and drums.

“I’ve never had more fun with a band than I’m having now,” Spiro said. “Each of the players in the group is extremely accomplished as well as being a very exciting soloist. What’s most thrilling for me is that several are emerging as very talented composer/arrangers. And beyond that, they are just great people to work with. Wherever we appear, I believe that kind of group enthusiasm really comes through.”

Check out the group’s Facebook page for more pics, audio and video clips, as well as bio info and e-flyers promoting past performances and upcoming events.

Find Vincenzo’s at 24504 1/2 Lyons Avenue in Newhall. The phone is 661-259-6733.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

1 Comment

  1. c.harris says:

    Can hardly wait to hear this group! Wish it was in a larger place, maybe like Hart Hall in the William S. Hart Park complex.
    AND charge a cover/door fee with profits going to the Fischer Jazz Scholarship fund at COC?

Leave a Comment


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LINKS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
Written and directed by Braddon Mendelson, produced by Heather Mendelson, and co-produced by Olive Branch Theatricals and Noisivision Studios, "Provenance" will take stage at the The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321, Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27-29.
Tuesday, Sep 17, 2024
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center welcomes back Jim Curry for an evening concert celebrating the music of John Denver on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Bella Vida.
Monday, Sep 16, 2024
West Ranch High School’s Studio A Jazz Band will be the opening act for the Huntertones, a Brooklyn-based sextet, who are coming to the Santa Clarita Valley for a one-night performance.
Thursday, Sep 12, 2024
The MAIN in collaboration with Eclipse Theatre Los Angeles will host Ray Bradbury's "Something Wicked This Way Comes" starting Friday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. at the MAIN, 24266 Main St., Newhall, CA 91321.
Sunday, Sep 8, 2024
California State Park’s Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park invites the public to an art showcase on Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team has received a $300,000 grant from NASA’s Mentoring and Opportunities in STEM with Academic Institutions for Community Success program.
COC Receives $300,000 NASA Grant to Expand Student Access to STEM Fields
Bring along a furry friend to the Santa Clarita Child & Family Center's Purple Walk Domestic Violence Awareness 5K on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 8-11 a.m. at the Center’s main facility 21545 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Oct. 5: 5K Purple Walk Dogs Against Domestic Violence
Written and directed by Braddon Mendelson, produced by Heather Mendelson, and co-produced by Olive Branch Theatricals and Noisivision Studios, "Provenance" will take stage at the The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321, Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27-29.
Sept. 27-29: Braddon Mendelson to Present ‘Provenance’ at The MAIN
The Master's women's volleyball team opened Great Southwest Athletic Conference play on the road in Prescott, Ariz. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, defeating the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles in straight sets 28-26, 25-22, 25-18.
TMU Women’s Volleyball Opens Conference Play with Road Win
College of the Canyons freshman Sahya Kitabatake shot a two-under-par round of 70 to tie for medalist honors while helping the Cougars place fourth at the Western State Conference tournament at Sterling Hills Golf Club in Camarillo on Monday, Sept. 16.
Kitabatake Medals, Canyons Women Take Fourth at Sterling Hills Golf Club
One of the city of Santa Clarita community’s most cherished parks, David March Park is set to expand, Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m., 28310 North Via Joyce Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 with a groundbreaking ceremony.
Sept. 26: Community Invited to David March Park Expansion Groundbreaking
SRD Straightening Reigns, a therapeutic organization offering equine assisted psychotherapy, has been awarded $278,870 from the California State budget to improve mental health services.
California Awards $278,870 in Funding to SRD Straightening Reins
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees appointed Carlos Guerrero to fill the board seat in Area 5, effective immediately, at its special Wednesday, Sept. 18 meeting.
COC Board of Trustees Appoints Carlos Guerrero to Area 5 Seat
California Institute of the Arts alums Alyssa Dressman Lehner and Clara Plestis captured Emmy Awards at the 76th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
Two Calartians Win 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards
Valencia High School's Choir will hold a fall concert, "Broadway, Movies & Media" at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. at the Saugus High School Theatre, 21900 Centurion Way, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Sept. 26-27: Valencia High Choir Presents Fall Concert ‘Broadway, Movies & Media’
As my wife, Virginia, and I stroll through our magnificent city, we admire the beautiful paseos and the expansive open spaces, but what really catches our eye, is the diverse works of art at every turn.
Bill Miranda | Santa Clarita Arts, a Journey Through Creativity
The California Department of Public Health is encouraging all Californians to get vaccinated this season to protect themselves and loved ones from respiratory viruses.
CDPH: Stay Up to Date on Vaccines
The Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library in collaboration with Santa Clarita Valley Libraries will have a silent Book Auction beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, through 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.
Sept. 30: Public Libraries to Host Silent Book Auctions
1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house
The Counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino today announced the opening of multiple joint Local Assistance Centers to assist residents impacted by the Bridge and Line Fires.
Joint Assistance Centers Open for Residents Impacted by Bridge, Line Fires
Valencia Gynecology Associates, owned by longtime Santa Clarita Valley OB-GYN physician Don Nishiguchi, MD, has joined the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital network. 
Valencia Gynecology Assoc. Joins Henry Mayo Network
JCI Santa Clarita is proud to announce the upcoming Veteran’s Resource Fair, scheduled to take place on Sept. 21 at William S. Hart Park. 
Sept. 21: JCI Invites All Veterans to Upcoming Resource Fair
A "friendies" field tournament  is being  hosted by the Saugus Instrumental Music program, with support from Valencia High, later this month. 
Sept. 21: All Valley Showcase Comes to Valencia High
Public, member-supported 88.5 FM The SoCal Sound, Southern California’s leading Triple-A (adult album alternative) format radio station has announced the lineup for its inaugural “Year-End Bash” taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Dec. 7: CSUN Owned 88.5-FM The SoCal Sound Announces “Year End Bash” Lineup featuring Ben Gibbard
The Master's University cross-country teams continued their successful 2024 campaigns with strong finishes at the BIOLA Invitational on Friday, Sept. 13 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, Calif.
TMU Women Win, Men Place Second at XC Invitational
Sheriff’s Department Announces New Law Enforcement Gang Policy
LASD Announces New Policy on Law Enforcement Gangs
The biology department at California State University, Northridge has stayed committed to promoting STEM research carried out by K-12 students and teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
CSUN Student Research Journal Celebrates 28 Years of Inspiring Scientific Imagination
Did you know the SCVEDC has an interactive, online tool that provides themed virtual tours of the amazing features the community has to offer? 
SCVEDC Offers Virtual Business Tours of the Santa Clarita Valley
California Institute of the Arts alum and visionary filmmaker Tim Burton (Film/Video 1979) was honored with the 2,788th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
CalArts Alum Tim Burton Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
SCVNews.com