LAS VEGAS - March 3, 2009 - Sherrie Maricle & The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, an ensemble of 15 extremely talented and versatile musicians, headed by swinging drummer Maricle, will perform in concert with the UNLV Contemporary Jazz Ensemble I at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 8 in the UNLV Judy Bayley Theatre.
With New York as their home base, DIVA performs all over the world playing contemporary, mainstream big band jazz composed and arranged to fit the individual personalities and styles of the musicians themselves. Audiences can expect to hear high-energy performances packed with unique improvisation, spontaneity and fun.
The inspiration for DIVA came from Stanley Kay, one-time manager and relief drummer for Buddy Rich. In 1990, Kay was conducting a band in which Maricle was playing the drums. Kay immediately picked up on her extraordinary talent and began to wonder if there were other women players who could perform at the same level. The search was on and through nationwide auditions, the foundation for The DIVA Jazz Orchestra was poured in 1992 and what emerged is the dynamic musical force that holds forth to the present day.
In 2006, DIVA was voted one of the best big bands in the world in both DownBeat magazine's annual Critic's and Reader's Polls. They have performed in Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops Orchestra, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, Verizon Jazz Festival at Lincoln Center, Blue Note, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland and the Apollo Theater in New York. International appearances include Le Meridien Hotel in Paris, France; Teatro de Sistina in Rome, Italy; Berlin Jazz Festival in Germany; Salzburg Music Festival in Austria; Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland; Montreal and Ottawa International Jazz Festivals in Canada; Bogota International Jazz Festival in Colombia; Jamaica Jazz Festival; Zagreb Jazz Festival in Croatia; and the Pori Jazz Festival in Finland.
Tickets to Sherrie Maricle & The DIVA Jazz Orchestra with the UNLV Contemporary Jazz Ensemble I Band are $20 general admission, $15 for Jazz Society members, and $10 for UNLV students, faculty and staff. Tickets can be purchased at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office or by calling 895-ARTS (2787). Please visit for more information.
