Kenton’s will in 1979 prohibited the creation of a “ghost group,” which is an industry term that refers to bands that play only the golden oldies of deceased leaders. Stan’s oldest daughter, Leslie Kenton has supported the band and the name change. She is Stan’s oldest daughter. She also expressed her complete approval of Mike Vax and The Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra’s work. They perform the Stan Kenton Orchestra’s well-known music, but the band also honors Kenton who insisted on performing more than “the old songs,” which Kenton called “nostalgia music”. Director Mike Vax, mer lead trumpeter, and road manager with Kenton said that the entire band has a library of new Kenton-style material, as well as original material created by current Band members. While we don’t want to be the Stan Kenton orchestra, we do strive to continue his legacy of jazz education and creative music. Alumni from the 1956-1978 Stan Kenton Orchestras perform together at festivals, concerts, cruises, and dances. This 19-piece band also includes Kenton Alumni and some young talented players. Each year, the band tours across the United States. It performs a lot in schools. Each school that book the band for an evening performance receives a free afternoon workshop. Visit www.bigbandjazz.net
