Get ready to swing with the Spicy Pickles
By : Holly Owens
Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles will bring vintage jazz and swing to the Ross Ragland Theater on Friday, Oct. 12.
Submitted photo
Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles Jazz Band is a Denver-based vintage jazz band intent on bringing swing back to a new generation. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, the Pickles will take to the Ragland stage with a high energy authentic big band sound and look that celebrates the unique American spirit of swing.
Long before jazz became a spectator event, it was dance music. The big bands that played swing made their reputations on being able to flood the floor with dancers. Joe Smith & The Spicy Pickles are on a mission to bring back those days. Formed in Denver in 2013, and led by trumpeter Joe Smith, the band has been focusing on dance oriented swing since their 2015 release, “High Fidelity.” Now expanded into a septet plus a vocalist, they hope to revive the music that got America swinging.
Power, personality, wit
Joe Smith & The Spicy Pickles does a magnificent job of replicating not only the music, but the general atmosphere of the era as well. This is music that takes skill and dedication to perform correctly, as the high standard was set by the originators. The Spicy Pickles are recognized for their sensational live performances. This small group-style swing band packs a punch of power, personality and wit into each show with the beloved charm of big band swing from the late ‘30s and early ‘40s.
“You’re not going to want to miss Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles,” said Michael B. Miles, associate director of the Ross Ragland. “Their music will make you want to get up and swing.”
tickets for the event are $15, $19 and $24 before transaction fees. Student, senior, military and low-income discounts are available.
The Ross Ragland Theater is at 218 N. Seventh St. Call 541-884-5483 for ticket information and reservations, or visit the theater’s website at www.rrtheater.org. The box office is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and two hours prior to show time the day of any weekend show.
