Joe Augustine
Now in its 10th year, JazzFest is returning March 22-25 to The University of Akron. The line-up features nightly concerts by faculty and students from the UA School of Music's Jazz Program, bassist George Mraz and vocalist Maureen McGovern:
Tuesday, March 22, at 8 p.m.
Rising Stars: UA JazzFest 2011 Opening Concert
Guzzetta Recital Hall, 139 E. Buchtel Ave.
Featuring The University of Akron's Student Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos, performing in memory of recent graduate Andy Michalec, who died in 2010. Free. Open seating. For more information, call 330-972 8301, visit the School of Music, or e-mail concerts@uakron.edu.
Wednesday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Faculty and Friends: UA JazzFest 2011 Cabaret Concert
Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
George Mraz
Join trumpeter Jack Schantz, pianist Joe Augustine and other jazz musicians for a concert in memory of the late Dominic Guzzetta, president emeritus of The University of Akron and a lover of classic jazz.
Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students — available in advance and at the door as long as seats are available. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and there is open seating. The Thomas Hall Ticket Office is available at 330-972-7570 or UAEVENTS.com.
Thursday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m.
Double-bassist George Mraz: UA JazzFest 2011 Bittle Residency Cabaret Concert
Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
A native of the Czech Republic, George Mraz was the bassist for Oscar Peterson and has worked with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Stan Getz, New York Jazz Quartet, Zoot Sims, Bill Evans, John Abercrombie, Tommy Flanagan and more. Mraz is the Bittle Jazz Artist-in-Residence for UA JazzFest 2011. The Bittle Jazz Residency Program was established by a gift to The University of Akron School of Music from Silver Lake residents Edward L. and Frances Yates Bittle.
As the Bittle Jazz Artist-in-Residence, Mraz will share his talent and expertise with UA’s music students during rehearsals, performances, master classes and one-on-one lessons. Previous Bittle Jazz Artists include vocalist Jon Hendricks (JazzFest 2004), drummer Carl Allen (JazzFest 2005), pianist Joe Augustine (JazzFest 2006), saxophonist Joe Lovano (JazzFest 2007), trumpeter Marvin Stamm and pianist Bill Mayes (JazzFest 2008), guitarist Adam Rogers (JazzFest 2009), and trombonist Jiggs Whigham (JazzFest 2010).
Maureen McGovern
Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students — available in advance and at the door as long as seats are available. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and there is open seating. The Thomas Hall Ticket Office is available at 330-972-7570 or UAEVENTS.com.
Friday, March 25, at 8 p.m.
Maureen McGovern — A Long and Winding Road: The Concert
UA JazzFest Finale Concert 2011
Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
Updated March 18: McGovern's concert is sold out.
More information about UA JazzFest 2011 is available at the School of Music, concerts@uakron.edu, or the Thomas Hall Ticket Office at 330-972-7570.
Media contact: Cyndee Snider, 330-972-5196 or cyndee@.uakron.edu.