Source: Todd Holmberg, 785-532-6425, trholm@k-state.edu
Web site: http://www.k-state.edu/mccain/
News release prepared by: Nellie Ryan, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009

SWING SENSATION BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY TO PRESENT HOLIDAY CONCERT AT K-STATE'S MCCAIN AUDITORIUM

MANHATTAN -- The Grammy-nominated swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will put on its "Wild and Swingin' Holiday Party" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium.

The band offers a blend of high-energy and old-school jive with influences from swing, blues, rock, New Orleans jazz and big band. The performance will feature yuletide classics turned into big band extravaganzas such as "Blue Christmas," Jingle Bells" and "We Three Kings." Original songs like "Zat You Santa Claus?" also will be performed.

The performance is appropriate for the entire family.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy arrived on the music scene in 1993 in the midst of the 1990s' swing revival. The group has been called "America's favorite little big band" and has appeared at such famous venues as Walt Disney Hall, Lincoln Center and Constitution Hall. Milestones in the group's history include performing in a Super Bowl halftime show, writing theme music for network television and performing for three U.S. presidents.

Tickets for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy are on sale now. Prices start at $12.50 for K-State students and $25 for the general public. Discounts for K-State faculty, children and military also are available. Tickets can be purchased at the McCain Auditorium box office, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, or by calling 785-532-6428. More information is available online at http://www.k-state.edu/mccain/

The show will be preceded by a McCain Conversation, "Swing: The Common Denominator," at 6:30 p.m. in 204 McCain. Alfred Cochran, assistant provost and professor of music at K-State, will explore the reasons why audiences young and old are drawn to the tuneful and rhythmically compelling music that Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performs. The conversation is free and open to the public.