Jazz For Kids

This entertaining and educational performance presentation is designed to introduce children to the jazz idiom, its styles and use of creative improvisation.

By using familiar songs, David Leonhardt and his group explain how a jazz musician uses the form and raw materials of a composition to structure a unique performance every time. Popular songs as well as classical themes are played in various styles and tempos and arranged in different manners to demonstrate how to understand and appreciate a jazz performance. Audience interaction and participation is encouraged.

This fun and informative show can be tailored for all ages and musical experiences and can be presented in a theater or classroom setting. A question and answer period is included.

A Winter Holiday Jazz Concert

The David Leonhardt Jazz Group

Holiday classics with a jazz beat, this swinging take on seasonal favorites is getting raves from audiences and critics alike. You will never think of the holidays the same again after hearing this exciting improvisational jazz program using the music we all know in an imaginative and entertaining presentation. Playing selections from their CD "I'll Be Home For Christmas" This internationally acclaimed jazz group will have fingers snapping and toes tapping as they present a winter concert of cool jazz and hot rhythms.

In concert with

The Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers

The Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers is a high caliber ensemble of female rhythm tap dancers with dynamic improvisation, synchronized ensemble dancing and stunning solo work. They perform in concert with The David Leonhardt Jazz Group bringing a high level of musicianship and intensity to their performance. Through sophisticated musical arrangements and strong visual choreography, there is a dynamic interaction among dancers and musicians. This is a great way to draw both a dance and a jazz audience.

Swingin', Tappin' and Jammin' is a fun family show for childrenand their parents that presents energetic tap dancing and live jazz music. Designed to be presented in theaters it is a perfect addition to a family series. Performing high speed tap choreography, dynamic improvisation, synchronized ensemble dancing and stunning solo work, the Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers bring audiences to their feet. Accompanied onstage by The David Leonhardt Jazz Group their popular children’s show entertains, educates, and excites audiences. Using familiar songs and fun audience participation, Swingin', Tappin' and Jammin' brings the delight of rhythm, dance and music into the hearts of children and their families. Fun for grown-ups and kids alike this exuberant dance spectacular has been enjoyed by audiences world wide and to high critical acclaim.

The Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers is a high caliber ensemble of three women tap dancers that presents energetic tap dance concerts and conducts interactive lectures on jazz tap that inform and entertain audiences. Performing original works of choreography by Ms. Oliver and historic tap routines they are accompanied by The David Leonhardt Jazz Group.

An Evening of Gershwin

The David Leonhardt Jazz Group offers an evening of all George Gershwin music, playing selections from their popular CD “The David Leonhardt Jazz Group Plays Gershwin”. The combination of Gershwin’s music and high spirited jazz improvisation is an unbeatable one. An "Evening of George Gershwin" is a wonderful way to attract an audience new to jazz as well as bringing out the die hard jazz fans.