How to go
What: Franz Klaber Orchestra Big Band (The Klaberheads)
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 30
Where: RiversEdge Amphitheater, 116 Dayton St., Hamilton
Admission: Free
More info: www.riversedgelive.com and www.klaberheads.com
The Franz Klaber Orchestra Big Band (The Klaberheads) will make their debut at RiversEdge on Saturday night with a free concert that will feature a selection of big-band music.
We caught up with the group’s leader and business manager, Erika Klaber, to find out what fans can expect from the performance.
Q: What is in store for fans at the concert?
A: "It's specifically going to be a night of big-band music. We will do many of the tunes that are familiar to that genre, including Glenn Miller's 'In the Mood,' and several other big-band standards. What will be different about it, though, is we will highlight the evolution that big band has taken, so in addition to the standards, we are going to be doing some current artists, such as Michael Bublé, who have put a fresh spin on the big-band classics. He's also taken popular tunes of today, and morphed them into big-band tunes, such as Queen's 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love.' We will also do a medley of tunes from Chicago and from Blood, Sweat & Tears, which are both horn-driven bands."
Q: How does FKO Big Band approach playing big-band music, and how do you put your own stamp on it?
A: "When my grandfather, Franz Klaber Sr., started the band in the 1930s he always wanted to play the tunes from Germany, but he also wanted to play what was popular of the day. I think we're still doing that. What I think about this big-band music, specifically, is that it is so rich, historically, and it conjures up so many memories of grandparents, or of an iconic time in history. Providing a concert like this with the emphasis being on big band, it's one of my goals as the leader of the band to get this music out, and to get it heard again. I'm excited about being able to perform this music."
Q: How is FKO carrying the group’s torch into the next generation?
A: "I'm hoping to make it to year 100. We are on year 86, so my goal is 100."
Q: Is this your first time at RiversEdge?
A: "This is will be our first time playing at RiversEdge. I've never performed on that stage, but from what I've heard, it's a great venue. The stage and lighting are great, and the seating is good for the audience. And, I'm expecting Mother Nature to cooperate."
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