Beginning at the tender age of five, Gordon Goodwin began composing whole compositions, completing his first big band chart, “Hang Loose,” at the age of 13! His work within the television and film industry has garnered him three Emmy Awards and a pair of Grammy nominations. His extraordinary skills in composing, arranging and instrumentation have resulted in collaborations with Christina Aguilera, Quincy Jones, Mel Torme, Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughn and Johnny Mathis, to name just a few. Established in 2000, the Big Phat Band’s debut album, “Swingin’ For The Fences” made history as the first commercially available DVD audio title ever released, and the first to receive two Grammy nominations. Joining this remarkable ensemble is Patti Austin, fresh from her 2008 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album for “Avant Gershwin.” This stunning artist has also been nominated for the coveted honor of Outstanding Jazz Artist at the NAACP Image Awards. This will be a night to remember!

This presentation is supported by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts’ American Masterpieces, which believes a great nation deserves great art, with additional contributions from General Mills Foundation, Land O’Lakes Foundation and Wisconsin Arts Board.