Valparaiso University Hosts 31st Jazz Fest
The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra to Headline Concert on April 2
Valparaiso University will host the 2016 Jazz Fest March 28 – April 2, featuring diverse workshops and performances including the Benny Green Trio and the legendary Count Basie Orchestra.
A number of the University’s faculty and student ensembles and middle school and high school bands will participate in the festivities. Local middle school and high school bands perform Monday, March 28 at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, March 29 at 6 p.m., with special guest the Valparaiso University Jazz Ensemble, in the Harre Union Ballroom. Both performances are free and open to the public.
Featured Jazz Fest performances include:
- Valparaiso University Faculty Jazz Trio with guest Art Hoyle, followed by The Northwest Indiana Jazz Educators Big Band — Wednesday, March 30, 7 p.m., Harre Union Ballroom. Tickets are free to Valpo students, faculty and staff; $8 for alumni and seniors; and $10 for the general public.
- Valparaiso University Jazz Ensemble with guest Fareed Haque, guitar — Thursday, March 31, 7:30 p.m., Harre Union Ballroom. Tickets are free to Valpo students, faculty and staff; $8 for alumni and seniors; and $10 for the general public.
- The Benny Green Trio — Friday, April 1, 8 p.m., Harre Union Ballroom. Tickets are $5 for Valpo students; $10 for alumni, faculty, staff and seniors; and $15 for the general public.
- The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra — Saturday, April 2, 8 p.m., Harre Union Ballroom. Tickets are $10 for Valpo students, $20 for all others.
Benny Green has been widely regarded as one of the foremost jazz pianists of our time. He has appeared on countless jazz albums in his career, studying under a handful of legendary artists. Green is considered a visionary through his contributions toward the continued evolution of jazz in the 21st century.
Celebrating its 80th anniversary, the legendary Count Basie Orchestra has performed its classic big band repertoire for kings, queens, films and television. The Orchestra has won 18 Grammy awards, the most of any orchestra, and continues to be considered an elite performing group within the jazz industry.
Tickets will be available at valpo.edu/union or by visiting the Harre Union Welcome Desk. Online tickets are available Feb. 22 and in person beginning Feb. 29.
