Get ready to be amazed by the horns, the groove, the zoot suits, the moves, the songs, soul, staging and fun that make the Cab Calloway Orchestra so special. Immerse yourself in the timeless sound of jazz and big band music, and experience the magic of our authentic performances, under the lively baton of Cab's Grandson, C. Calloway Brooks for nearly three decades. For over a century The Calloway Family has continued to dazzle and delight audiences worldwide. Join us for an unforgettable musical journey.
Happiness is a fantastic concert.
About
The Cab Calloway Orchestra is a living testament to the rich history and lasting legacy of jazz music. Their performances are a celebration of the swinging, soulful sounds that have captivated audiences for generations. The CCO has been on tour, worldwide at such venues as: Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Waldorf Astoria Ballroom, The USS Hornet, The San Diego Museum of Art, The Cotton Clubs in Tokyo and Harlem, Dallas Symphony Hall, Benaroya Hall, Finland’s Pori Jazz Festival; at famed Jazz Clubs, from Birdland in NY to Yoshi's in SF; casinos such as Ballys, Sands, The Nugget, The Cannery, and Atlantis; and at numerous charitable fundraisers nationwide. With a sound that is timeless, the orchestra continues to inspire and delight music fans the world over. From intimate club shows to packed stadiums, The Cab Calloway Orchestra is a true sensation in the world of jazz.
The Cab Calloway Orchestra is the only jazz orchestra in history to win the prestigious "Montreal International Jazz Festival Battle of the Big Bands" two years in a row, in 2016 and 2017. The Montreal Battle of the Big Bands is the oldest and longest running battle of professional touring big bands in Jazz.
Winner 1st Prize
Winner 1st Prize
PRESS
Hi-De-Ho, Minne The Moocher, remember that? I got to work with the Cab Calloway Orchestra last week in Phoenix Arizona. C. Calloway Brooks is Cab's grandson, who conducts the orchestra. If you ever have a chance to see them work, they're fabulous!
“Brooks left the audience convinced”
“While Brooks may dress like his grandfather and play his tunes, their voices sound nothing alike, and Brooks - a talented singer and guitarist in his own right - doesn't try to imitate Calloway. …he's a serious musician himself, not simply the heir to the Calloway throne.” “Brooks maintained his brilliant level of performance to the end”
“[Brooks] almost upstaged his grandfather on two meanly picked blues”
“…flashes of his Grandfathers' vocal quality shine through each performance … it's that smooth well-rehearsed sound of saxophones that sounds like thick cream flowing… the brass and rhythm molded like Jell-O to go with the cream.”
“ The Cab Calloway Orchestra rocked the house! They swung hard all night long, they all played their tails off. The charts are gorgeous! The band was fantastic!
Orchestra Director C. Calloway Brooks
A graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music who toured with his grandfather's orchestra over several years; friends, family and colleagues urged Cab's Grandson Christopher Brooks "CB" to continue his grandfathers’ legacy, as his grandfather had wished. CB subsequently launched the Cab Calloway Orchestra - the world’s only major legacy big band led by a descendant who was directly trained by, toured with, and who performs on the same instrument as the historical bandleader, the CCO became an instant hit, with their “Live at Birdland” CD. In addition to his touring with Cab, CB performed over the years with such greats as, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Lionel Hampton Orchestra, Kenny Burrell, Ran Blake, Milton Hinton, Don Byron, Anthony Braxton, Shelia Jordan, Earl May, Ellis Larkins, Rufus Reid, Alan Dawson, Marshall Allen, Gary Bartz,The Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Big Nick Nicholas, Brad Leali, Wally Gator Watson, Craig Handy, Cyrus Chestnut, Victor Goines, and John Faddis. CB’s performance style with the CCO has been described as, “directly, clearly and closely related, to that of his grandfather, though not at all identical.”
“Then there’s my grandson Christopher-- he’s definitely got the music together, there’s no question about it– he’s so smart, it makes your head spin!” – Cab Calloway
Selected Honors
Award Winner
Cab Calloway Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner 1st Prize
Harlem Week Battle of the Big Bands
Award Winner
Cab Calloway ASCAP "Wall of Fame" Award
Winner 1st Prize
NJPAC Battle of the Big Bands
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