Swing Kings to introduce new leader at Sun City West concert

The Arizona Swing Kings big band will present its new director at a free concert 3-4:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at Desert Palms Presbyterian Church, 13459 W. Stardust Blvd.

A freewill offering will be taken, with a suggested donation of $10.

Director emeritus Len King, who has led the band for 12 years, will hand the reins to trombonist and vocalist Jim Lee.

“Buckle up. With Jim at the helm, it’s going to be a wild ride!” said King.

Lee wants the audience to have fun, and a new repertoire is part of the plan.

“This band has the talent to play much more than the usual big band charts. We’ll be tackling the most exciting music of the last century,” he said.

Special for the April 10 concert is “Fitz,” the Stan Kenton trombone feature that will see Lee and lead trombonist Dale Gleason square off in an improvisation dual under the direction of King. Lead trumpeter Dan Reed will soar through the Maynard Ferguson screamer “Maria,” and vocalist Barry Dale will offer his swinging interpretation of the forties jazz standard “There Will Never Be Another You.”

Visit AZSwingKings.com or contact Lee at 404-643-5001 or jleetrbn@gmail.com for more information.