The Brigham Young University School of Music will host three events for jazz lovers during the first week of April.
• Synthesis, BYU's premier big-band ensemble featuring faculty guest artists Steven Lindeman and Ron Brough, will perform jazz classics and new works in the de Jong Concert Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center, Wednesday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $11 or $7 with a BYU or student ID and can be purchased at the Fine Arts Ticket Office, by calling (801) 422-7664 or by visiting byuarts.com.
The concert will feature classics, original compositions by Lindeman as well as band members Russell Balli and Ben Taylor and a special broadcast of jazz legend Maria Schneider's "Bulgaria, Solea y Rumba" from the Concert in the Garden Project.
"It's a tour-de-force, and has never been seen here in Utah, said director Ray Smith. "There will also be a little April Fool's Day fun."
• BYU Jazz Voices under the direction of Katie Williams will present an evening of diverse works Tuesday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Joseph Smith Building Auditorium. Admission is free.
The concert will feature John Coltrane's "Giant Steps," "Lullaby of Birdland" by George Shearing, "Strange New World" by Kerry Marsh, "The World Will Keep You Waiting" by Peter Eldridge and Lauren Kinhan and even an arrangement of "Come, Come Ye Saints" by former Jazz Voices director Kelly Eisenour.
• The BYU Jazz Lab Band will be "Celebrating the Swing Era" on Tuesday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Madsen Recital Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center. Admission is free.
One of three big bands at BYU, the Jazz Lab Band is directed by Michael Tobian.
They will perform many old standards from the Swing Era, including Benny Goodman’s “Sing Sing Sing,” as well as modern arraignments of old songs “But Not for Me” and “Witchcraft.” The concert will also feature guest artists the BYU Mainstream Jazz Combo.
Writer: Brady Toone
