An absolutely not-to-be-missed evening is guaranteed when this stellar 19-piece big band, founded in 1966 by New Orleans trumpeter, Junius Courtney, miraculously packs itself onto the Freight stage to celebrate Valentine's weekend with a powerhouse repertoire of swing, blues, and gutsy improvisation, all in the service of love!

Bandleader Nat Courtney on drums and Detroit-born multi-instrumentalist and musical director, George "Jazzbeaux" Spencer, carry on Junius' torch, keeping the music alive and swingin' as the best possible tribute to the late great bandleader. Developing from a core of long-term veterans who performed alongside Sy Oliver and John Coltrane, the big band delivers hot and soulful readings of exquisitely arranged material. Special guest Denise Perrier brings to the stage the sultry, powerful vocals she's been perfecting for decades in performances all over the world and in collaborations with Louis Armstrong, Ruth Brown, and Etta James.

Tonight, the band sends out a red hot valentine in a concert that explores the swinging passion of love, "Love Letters in Jazz." From stompers like Ray Charles' "I Cain't Stop Loving You," to heart-wrenching ballads like "Tenderly" and Latin-tinged numbers like "Una Historia De Amor," the group stirs up an energized night of red hot jazz.