ORIGINAL WEAPON. The Weapons of Brass Destruction will be performing originals by Jason Collins at the Mabel Tainter on Jan. 27. (Submitted photo)

Jason Collins has been part of the Chippewa Valley music scene for many years, participating in and starting well-loved local groups with his alto and baritone saxophone skills. He performs in the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra, The Sue Orfield Horns, and Weapons of Brass Destruction (WoBD), and started his own combo, the Jason Collins Septet.

Collins has written many original songs for his septet and some for Weapons of Brass Destruction, but he is now preparing for a live performance consisting entirely of his original work. Brass enthusiasts will be able to enjoy Collins’s compositions on Saturday, Jan. 27, when WoBD plays a show of Collins’ original music at the Mabel Tainter (205 Main St. E, Menomonie).

The group will perform 15 Collins originals, three of which he wrote specifically for the gig. Many others were written for his septet and are being arranged for WoBD. While WoBD’s sound has New Orleans roots, Collins and the group will also explore some Gaelic and Middle Eastern sounds in this performance.

“(Arranging the music) has been very fun,” Collins said. “It’s a fun challenge for myself to translate my songs from the septet to brass.”

WoBD was created nearly a decade ago by trombonist Tom Carlson, who recruited Collins (baritone saxophone), Phil Huebner (tuba), Levi Felling (percussion), John LeBrun (percussion), Stuart Wallace (trumpet), Pat Hull (trumpet), Eric Thrane (trombone), Jeff Reitz (tenor, clarinet, and flute), and Jennifer Hazen (lead vocals).

The group has played live at Sounds Like Summer in Phoenix Park, Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest, Party on the Plaza, Gatsby’s Gala, and many more local venues. The Mabel Tainter is near and dear to their heart as most members live in Menomonie, and Collins performs at the Mabel every year.

Learn more info and get tickets to the show at mabeltainter.org.