LES THIMMIG
Les Thimmig grew up in the greater Chicago area, which allowed him to develop his interests in classical performance, jazz performance, composition, and conducting. During his collegiate education (B.M. from Eastman, M.M.A. and D.M.A. from Yale), he was also active in the free-lance performing areas of New York City, Boston, and the connecting areas. After teaching in Yale's theory department, he assumed the directorship of the composition/theory department of the University of Victoria (B.C.), and then came to the University of Wisconsin to direct the composition program.
His compositions are recorded on the CRI, Spectrum, Nonesuch, Stellar, and GM labels, and published by G. Schirmer, E.C. Schirmer, Margun, and Turquoise Flame. Recent performances as soloist include those with Parnassus, New England Conservatory Chamber Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, Boston Musica Viva, Dayton Symphony, Orquesta Nacional de Venezuela, and the New York Philharmonic. He is a member of the Madison-based Latino ensemble Madisalsa, and leader of the Les Thimmig 7, the repertoire of which is Thimmig compositions exclusively.
MIKE VAX
Mike Vax has long been established as one of the world's greatest trumpet players and jazz artists. He has played lead and solo trumpet with the legendary Stan Kenton Orchestra, the Clark Terry Big Bad Band, and the U.S. Navy Show Band.
Mike has also performed and/or recorded with such greats as Art Pepper, Al Grey, Freddy Hubbard, Gene Krupa, John Handy, Don Ellis, Don Jacoby, Louie Bellson, Joe Williams, Anita O'Day, Barbara McNair, the Four Freshmen, The Glenn Miller and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras, The Navy Commodores, The Army Blues, The Army Jazz Ambassadors, The Air Force Falconaires, the Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band, and the Dukes of Dixieland in New Orleans.
He has appeared as guest lead trumpet and soloist with symphony pops orchestras around the United States, and he has toured extensively in Europe, Scandinavia, South America and Japan.
As a recording musician, Mike has performed on more than 75 albums, including 20 under his own name.
Currently he is leading his own groups: The Mike Vax Jazz Orchestra, The Mike Vax Big Band (featuring alumni of the Stan Kenton Orchestra), TRPTS (Trumpets), The Great American Jazz Band, and the Mike Vax Quintette and Sextette.
Mike has done workshops and concerts in over 2000 elementary and junior high schools, high schools, colleges and universities all around the world, over the past 35 years. He is very active as a clinician and soloist. Mike Vax is an international artist for the Getzen Company. Mr. Vax performs exclusively on Getzen trumpets, cornets and flugelhorns. The Wisconsin Band is delighted to welcome Mike Vax to the Kohl Center.
BALLET FOLKLORICO MEXICO
Founded in 1972, the Ballet Folklorico Mexico has been recognized as one of the most exciting groups presenting authentic regional dances of Mexico. Gorgeous costumes. Exceptional dances. Delighted audiences. Those are the calling cards of this outstanding dance company, now in its 32 nd year. Recognized throughout the U.S. and Mexico as one of the most exciting groups presenting authentic regional dances of Mexico, Ballet Folklorico transcends barriers of language and cultural influences, bringing new, enriching perspectives.
The company introduces audiences to fascinating folklore and magnificent ceremonial rituals. And it does so in lavish, flamboyant costumes, some with colorful flowing dresses and others that feature headdresses of pheasant tails that reach more than six feet in length. The Wisconsin Band is honored to present this colorful, exciting group to our audience.
JOHN TACKETT
John Tackett, vocalist, is a Biology major at the University of Wisconsin. He is a senior from Fond du Lac and a four-year member of the Wisconsin Band trombone section. John has had numerous experiences in local theater and musical productions.
ALYSON BARRETT
Alyson Barrett (Eponine) is a senior at Verona Area High School and was featured as Fantine in Four Seasons Youth Theatre's June 2006 production of Les Miserables. Alyson also plays piano, enjoys singing, and karate.
ANNA MARIE LEONE
Anna Marie Leone began Suzuki violin lessons at the age of three, added piano shortly thereafter, she also plays a mean harmonica. Anna Marie enjoys musical theatre and recently appeared as Young Cosette in the Four Seasons Youth Theatre production of Les Miserables. She spent the last two summers participating in Oregon Straw Hat Players musicals, first as an orphan in Annie, and last summer as part of the Tom Sawyer Ensemble. Recent accomplishments include earning a spot in the 2007 Madison All-City Spelling Bee. Outside of music and theatre, her interests include archery, reading, gymnastics, knitting, and entertaining her four younger siblings.