In 1983 a group of talented musicians attending Arizona State University formed a musical ensemble whose artistic focus centered around the musical traditions of early New Orleans jazz. Now, four decades later, the Side Street Strutters continue to expand their musical palette to encompass nearly a century of classic American jazz.
The Strutters have presented formal concerts, symphony pops performances and student outreach programs in fifty states, seven European countries, Canada and Mexico. Their superb musicianship and award winning orchestrations have earned them national and international acclaim: NEA awarded fellowships and grants; State Arts Council Roster Artists; First Place Honors, Breda International Jazz Competition, Holland; National radio and television appearances; International Association of Jazz Educators Outstanding Musicianship Award; appearances at dozens of European and U.S. jazz festivals, a guest presidential performance, and 13 CD recordings. All this in addition to having entertained guests at the Disneyland Resort or 22 years as well as participating in many red carpet movies premiers for the Walt Disney Company.
In 2000, the ensemble took on the challenge of creating a symphony pops program and have since shared the stage with major orchestras including Houston, Rochester, Phoenix, Jacksonville, Pasadena and San Antonio. In celebration of their 25th anniversary, the Strutters revisited the roots of jazz with "Back To Bourbon St", a colorful show embracing the spirit and festiveness of New Orleans. In 2013, the band unveiled "Shiny Stockings" featuring for the first time the vocal stylings of Meloney Collins. This popular show combined Ms. Collin's sassy yet sultry personality and soulful voice with the Strutters exciting musical arrangements, personable humor and showmanship, to create a musical theater experience capturing the essential charm and vibrant energy of the golden age of jazz. In 2017, the Strutters and Mel collaborated once again on “Vinyl Jazz, A Century Celebration”. This historic show offered audiences a potpourri of jazz, pop and R&B hits that played a significant role towards the development and enjoyment of American popular music.
In celebration of their 40th anniversary, the Strutters and Ms Collins are proud to introduce “Swingin’ & Singin”. The band got together and selected their most popular melodies, their most powerful musical arrangements, the songs that continuously excited an audience. The best of the best! And, they added some new musical offerings to create an unforgettable musical theater experience that captures the essential charm and vibrant energy of Jazz.