For more than 10 years, Nevada Jazz Orchestra has delighted audiences with its annual Latin Connection concerts. One of the most popular events, the concert serves up spicy tunes and rhythms like only the Nevada Jazz Orchestra can play them. This year's performance is at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 20 at the Winchester Cultural Center Theater, 3130 S. McLeod Drive. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for students and seniors and $10 for Jazz Society members.


Bandleader Barry Ross has written two new Latin compositions for the concert including "Salsa Jazz" and "Bolero," which features the formidable alto saxophonist Fred Haller. Besides original compositions, Ross has created new Latin arrangements including pianist Eddie Palmieri's "Paginas de Mujer." For Dizzy Gillespie's speedy "Bebop," Barry supplied a Latin rhythm and harmonized the blazing solo recorded by legendary alto saxophonist Charlie Parker in the 1940s for the entire saxophone section. Due to public demand, the orchestra will play Ross' arrangement of "Bésame Mucho," one of the tunes from the CD, "¡Como No!"


The orchestra is full of top jazz soloists, and Ross gives them plenty of room to stretch. All five of the band's saxophonists – Haller, Philip Wigfall, Dave Stambaugh, Tony Osiecki and baritone Garrett Hypes – will bring the audience to its feet with fiery solos. Nearly every member of the orchestra is a soloist, performing at the master level.


Those interested in the Nevada Jazz Orchestra's Latin Connection concert can call the Winchester Cultural Center at 702-455-7340. For more information, please visit www.accessclarkcounty.com.