UA Kulas Concert Series presenting jazz icon Herbie Hancock and more

Jazz icon Herbie Hancock, an exhilarating Collage performance by rapidly appearing and disappearing musicians, and the return of MonsterPianos! are among the eight concerts in the 2011-12 season of the Kulas Concert Series at The University of Akron.

Supported by the Cleveland-based Kulas Foundation, the Kulas Concert Series is the UA School of Music's foremost series and features outstanding guest artists, faculty and students.

Season subscriptions for all eight performances are $65. Single tickets for the Herbie Hancock concert on Oct. 7 are $15 general admission and $10 for UA students. For the other concerts in the series, single tickets are $10 for general admission; $8 for seniors, UA faculty, staff, alumni, and parents of current UA students; $5 for non-UA students; and free for UA students who show their Zip Card.

The performances are at Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave., or E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St. Parking is available in nearby parking decks and surface lots.

For more information call 330-972-8301, e-mail concerts@uakron.edu, or visit www.uakron.edu/music or www.UAEVENTS.com.

The 2011-12 Kulas season opens with pianist and composer Herbie Hancock’s “Blue, Gold, and Soul” on Friday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m. at Thomas Hall. The performance is part of The University of Akron’s Homecoming 2011 events, and is presented by UA's Thomas Hall with support from the Office of Diversity and the Kulas Concert Series.

Legend will grace Thomas Hall stage

During his five-decade career, Hancock has won an Academy Award for his "Round Midnight" film score and 14 Grammys, including 2008 Album of the Year. His compositions — including "Cantalope Island," "Maiden Voyage," "Watermelon Man," "Chameleon" and "Rockit" — are contemporary standards that influence acoustic, electronic jazz, R&B and modern rock. This summer, UNESCO named Hancock as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

A highlight of the Kulas season is Collage 2011 on Friday, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m. at Thomas Hall. A musical thrill ride showcasing students and faculty from the UA School of Music, the nonstop concert will keep audience members on the edge of their seats as performers appear and disappear throughout the concert hall.

Also during 2011 in the UA School of Music’s Kulas Concert Series: Jazz pianist Joe Augustine and the UA Faculty Jazz Ensemble unveil Augustine's new CD recording "Remembering You" at the Stage Door of Thomas Hall. The UA School of Music celebrates the holiday season with Jingle Jazz on Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. at Thomas Hall.

In 2012: Chamberosity, a guest ensemble featuring violinist Linda Sinanian, hornist Jeffrey Forden and pianist Christine Dore on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m. in Guzzetta Recital Hall; the return of MonsterPianos! on Sunday, March 25, at 3 p.m at Thomas Hall; UA's Pargaon Brass faculty quintet with "April Foolishness," a concert of musical shenanigans and multimedia movie mayhem on Sunday, April 1, at 3 p.m. at the Stage Door of Thomas Hall; and Dottering Diva, featuring soprano Jean Blair in her final faculty recital on Sunday, April 29, at 3 p.m. at Guzzetta Recital Hall.

Media contact: Cyndee Snider, 330-972-5196 or cyndee@uakron.edu.