By Elizabeth Holland

KuPresents! kicked off its year with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Sept. 17 in Schaeffer Auditorium. Audiences of all ages came to see the swing jazz band play their electrifying music.

Before BBVD took the stage, KUPresents! and the Association of Campus Events hosted a dance party and contest outside Schaeffer with live music from the KU Jazz Combo. Professionals in classic zoot suits and dresses glided across the floor, teaching the volunteers classic swing steps.

Later, it was time to put their moves to the test. The professionals, along with the help of ACE, chose three winners for KU Paw Passes. The winners were: Jenna Kazmar, Heather Fox and Katie Shay. All participating students were able to walk away with free tickets to the performance.

When the show began, BBVD’s lead vocalist Scotty Morris accompanied his members Kurt Sodergren on drums and percussion, Dirk Shumaker on double bass, Andy Rowley on baritone saxophone, Glen “The Kid” Marhevka on the trumpet, Karl Hunter playing the saxophone and clarinet, Joshua Levy playing the piano and Alex Henderson on the trombone. Together they played an array of songs influenced by Louisiana music. From Calloway Boogie to Diga Diga Doo, the audience tapped along to the music.

Michele Dugan, a Kutztown area resident, says she had the time of her life at the performance. “It really brings back a lot of memories,” she said. “My father used to wear zoot suits like that.”

KUPresents! director, Robin Zaremski, says there was not a sad face in sight. “It’s a season you won’t forget.”