JAZZ | Rick Holland Little Big Band    

Before forming his own Little Big Band, flugelhorn and trumpet player Rick Holland paid his dues with the Louie Bellson Big Band, the Jimmy Dorsey Band, the Terry Gibbs Band, and others. Now he gets to call the tunes in a style more reminiscent of Gil Evans. The 10-piece, powerhouse ensemble specializes in works by contemporary arrangers like Brent Wallarab, Kerry Strayer, and Bill Dobbins. But Holland will also throw in a classic by Duke Ellington, Alec Wilder, or Gerry Mulligan. And in a Holiday show, you can count on some innovative arrangements of Christmas standards. This will also be a Christmas CD release party.

Rick Holland Little Big Band performs Sunday, December 28, at Lovin' Cup, 300 Park Point Drive. 7 p.m. Free. 292-9940; lovincup.com.