ASHLAND —
For years, saxophonist Jeff Carter has been tucking notes into a book as he made plans for a full-blown USO-style show.
While he’s still taking notes, Carter is now putting together an ensemble band and vocalists to bring the show to life before year’s end.
“I started putting stuff in a notebook seven years ago ... before that, really,” said Carter, explaining he has also been collecting the best music from the World War II era for a chance to play for veterans.
Carter finalized a version of his original script for a USO-inspired show last year, although he openly laughs at the idea of the production being complete.
“I’m still downloading. I have more than 200 hours of music to listen to,” he said, shaking his head at the thought of the research he still hopes to complete. “This script won’t be done until ... I want it to be liquid — to be able to switch parts and male and female vocals and change it all.
“Right now we’re just trying to have something that starts and ends.”
Starting with drummer Dave Knipp and guitarist Michael Moore, Carter said he is building the orchestra up to a 10-piece band, and will complete the USO show with five vocalists and additional cast members. “We’ve just decided to add a bunch of friends, some of which we haven’t met yet,” he said.
To fill out the group, Carter will audition for three female roles and slots for two males (one is an understudy position), during open auditions next week. Carter asks those interested in auditioning to email him and receive information about songs, as well as a time and location for tryouts.
“This is just getting started,” Carter said during a rehearsal at First Baptist Church earlier this week, explaining he hopes to have the entire show ready for an audience soon. He had hoped to debut the show for Sept. 11, but knows the first show will likely have to wait.
“Between now and the end of the year there are several appropriate dates to do this,” he said, emphasizing he wants the orchestra to do more than provide musicians a chance to play. Knowing the needs of Ashland’s Community Kitchen, Carter said he wants to make the big band’s first show something to raise awareness and funding for the organization.
“We’re just trying to do some good, really. We want to share the wealth,” he said. “Community Kitchen ... they do a lot of good.”
For more information or to schedule an audition, email carter at jeffcarter65@hotmail.com.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.
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