Either/Orchestra 25th Anniversary Concert

In the tradition of forward-looking big bands like the Gil Evans Orchestra and the Sun Ra Arkestra, Boston’s ten-piece Either/Orchestra makes its own rules. Founded in 1985 by saxophonist Russ Gershon, the E/O sees no harm in covering King Crimson one minute, presenting a darkly romantic, Mingusian melody the next, then dropping a salsa jam in the middle of Duke Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood.” Either/Orchestra even backed Morphine frontman Mark Sandman in a 1930s-era pop song. Largely due to this anything-goes spirit, the ensemble has filled seats on and off the bandstand for 25 years, a milestone it celebrates tonight.