Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra

Experience the timeless magic of the Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra, a distinguished ensemble comprising alumni from the esteemed Stan Kenton Orchestras spanning the years 1956 to 1978. Infused with the energy of talented young musicians, this orchestra comes together to captivate audiences at festivals, clinics, concerts, cruises, and dances nationwide. Our annual tours across the United States showcase a repertoire that not only honors the iconic music of the Stan Kenton Orchestra but also embraces a commitment to innovation.

In the spirit of Stan Kenton's legacy, the orchestra introduces fresh compositions in the Kenton style, alongside original pieces crafted by band members. While we respectfully acknowledge our roots, we are not merely replicating the past; instead, we are dedicated to carrying forward Stan Kenton's tradition of fostering creative music and jazz education.

With the heartfelt approval of Leslie Kenton, Stan's eldest daughter, who recently passed away, we strive to keep the Kenton Legacy alive. Leslie, representing her father's interests, endorsed our endeavors to maintain the essence of the Kenton tradition.

At the helm of this extraordinary ensemble is leader Mike Vax, a veteran musician with over 50 years of experience leading big bands. His remarkable journey includes serving as first trumpet, soloist, and road manager for the Stan Kenton Orchestra, co-leading during Mr. Kenton's recovery from surgery, playing lead trumpet in Clark Terry’s Big Bad Band, leading the Dukes of Dixieland in New Orleans, and contributing to the success of over 50 jazz festivals worldwide. Mike, now residing in Northern Arizona, continues to traverse the country for many months each year, perpetuating the legacy of Stan Kenton through his unwavering dedication to the art of jazz.

Alumni from the 1956 – 1978 Stan Kenton Orchestras, plus some wonderful young new members, come together to perform for festivals, clinics, concerts, cruises and dances. The band makes tours around the United States every year. We perform some of the well-known music of the Stan Kenton Orchestra; plus, in keeping with Stan’s insistence on not just performing nostalgia type music, we also perform fresh new material written in the Kenton style, as well as original material written by members of the Band. We are NOT trying to be the “Stan Kenton Orchestra,” but we are carrying on his tradition of dedication to creative music and to jazz education. We have the blessing of Leslie Kenton, Stan’s eldest daughter, who recently passed away. She represented the interests of her father and approved of all we are doing with the band to keep the Kenton Legacy alive.