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The Yellowjackets
Lamar University will host the fourth annual Jimmy Simmons Jazz Festival scheduled for Saturday April 1, at 7:30 p.m. inside the historic Jefferson Theatre (345 Fannin St.) in downtown Beaumont.
The evening will also feature a performance by 17-time Grammy nominated band, the Yellowjackets.
Throughout their storied 43-year history, the Yellowjackets have recorded 25 albums, won two Grammy Awards, performed countless sold-out tours, and enjoyed worldwide critical acclaim and commercial success.
The Yellowjackets formed in the late 1970s as the backup band for guitarist Robben Ford. They recorded their first album together in 1980 and shortly after that recording, Ford decided to part ways and go in a different musical direction. As a result, the modern day Yellowjackets were formed – a trio with Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip and Ricky Lawson. Since then, and with the addition of Bob Mintzer, the Yellowjackets have gained and maintained prominence as one of jazz’s most influential and loved groups.
Over the years the band has undergone numerous lineup changes. Never failing to rise to the inevitable challenges of adjustment, the Yellowjackets – Ferrante, William Kennedy, and Mintzer – have maintained an extraordinarily high quality of musicianship that is the rival of many but a surprise to no one who knows and appreciates the band and their music. The most recent addition to the band adds Australian bass player Dane Alderson in to the mix.
In addition to their studio albums, the Yellowjackets also contributed two tracks to the soundtrack of the film, “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.”
Admission to the concert is free.