The College of the Canyons music department and the award-winning COC Studio Jazz Ensemble and Lab Bands will present “Crank Up the Jazz!” on Friday, March 24, at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC).

The bands will be accompanied by guest soloist jazz drummer and percussionist Steve Pemberton.

“Performing with Steve is a real treat for the band,” said KC Manji, COC music director and the jazz band’s director for the performance. “His vast musical experience and expert drum kit playing is like slicing through butter, it is so smooth and effortless. He allows the band to do things they could not do otherwise.”

The big band will play well-known jazz tunes such as “Boogie Woogie Stomp,” “Bistro Latino,” and “The Mambo.”

The Lab Band will introduce new, up and coming members learning the language of jazz as they provide entertainment before the concert and during intermission.

“Crank Up the Jazz!” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 24, on the PAC main stage.

All of the ensembles will perform under the direction of Manji.

General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for COC students and senior citizens. For more information about the COC music department’s “Crank Up the Jazz” concert or to purchase tickets, please contact the PAC Box Office at (661) 362-5304 or visit www.canyonsPAC.com.

About Steve Pemberton
Known internationally for being a versatile and sensitive musician, Steve Pemberton has performed in Asia, Europe, North and South America.

Pemberton was the jazz drum set specialist and utility percussionist with the prestigious Boston Pops Orchestra, which gave him the opportunity to perform under the baton of film composer and conductor John Williams.

Pemberton has performed with many jazz greats, such as Mel Torme, Grover Washington, Jr., Doc Severinsen, as well as the Count Basie and Quincy Jones Orchestras. He has also performed at the White House for Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush Sr., Ronald Reagan, and Gerald Ford.

A graduate of the Berkeley College of Music, Pemberton lives in Los Angeles where he continues to work as a performer, educator, contractor, composer and arranger.