JP Big Band Premier Concert
November 2012 to 2023
by Deb Nahrgang, Anita Doering & JP
click here to see a sample program
YES!
click here for YouTube videos
The John Paulson Big Band
For over 30 years, Dr. John Paulson has been writing and arranging big band charts. The John Paulson Big Band was founded in 2012 with the assistance of a grant from the McKnight Foundation administered by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council. In November of 2012, the group blew the roof off the old church that houses the Winona Art Center with a standing room only concert. The live recording of this event plus some additional studio work led to the completion of their first CD “The John Paulson Big Band Project.” Since then, they have performed several times each year at venues like: The Page Theatre at Saint Mary’s University, The Winona County History Center, a road trip to the JEN (Jazz Educators’ Network) Conference in Louisville, KY, Winona State University, high school residencies in Red Wing, Rochester and Rushford plus regular gigs at their home base in Winona- Wellington’s Pub & Grill.
Many of the Midwest’s finest musicians and soloists perform & record regularly with the JPBB iincluding the amazing Adam Meckler (trumpet & flugelhorn), Scott Agster and Dave Graf (trombone) and guitarist Scott Gerry. Vocalists include Ariane Lydon"- 5 yrs On," and Janette Hanson- featured on "The Refuge Project" CD.
All of the music on the band's 3 CDs was composed and arranged by John C. Paulson. His goal is to create music that is easily accessible to the listener and fun for the players. He has received numerous grants from the McKnight Foundation and the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council in Rochester plus...
He is a fiscal year 2022-23 recipient of grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board in the Creative Support for Individuals category. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural
heritage fund.
"Refuge Project" CD recording session by John P. (click to scroll)
photos by Anita Doering-Wellington's "Jazz for Vets" fundraiser
Photos from "5 Yrs. On" session- click for info.
JPBB Chronology
Gigs, Concerts, & Residences
2012
Winona Art Center Premiere Concert
2013
“John Paulson Big Band Project” CD/DVD release
JPBB at Saint Mary’s University Centennial Gala
2014
Wellington’s Pub & Grill Concert
Saint Mary’s University Page Series Concert w/ The Hornheads
2015
Wellington’s Pub & Grill Concert
2016
Sheldon Theatre Concert – Red Wing, MN
Artist Residency & Concert - Red Wing High School
Wellington’s Pub & Grill Concert
JEN Jazz Educators Conference Concert
Louisville, KY
2017
Winona County History Center Concert
Wellington’s Pub & Grill Concert
2018
Winona State University Concert
Artist Residency & Concert - Rushford High School
“Five Years On” CD release
Wellington’s Pub & Grill Concert
2019
JPBB on KBEM jazz88 radio (Minneapolis)
Artist Residency & Concert - Mayo H.S Rochester, MN
Wellington’s Pub & Grill Concert
2020
Saint Cecila Hall Concert Winona, MN
2021
Wellington’s Pub & Grill Concert
2022
Artist Residency & Concert - Caledonia High School
2023
10 Year Anniversary Concerts Winona Art Center
CD #3 "Refuge Project" released
Wellington's Pub & Grill "Jazz for Vets" fundraiser
Thanks For Visiting - hope to see you at a performance or workshop!