Valparaiso University’s 29th Annual Jazz Fest Features Legendary New York Voices
Valparaiso University will host the 2014 Jazz Fest April 7-12, offering an exciting lineup by local, regional, and international jazz artists capped with a thrilling performance by the Grammy Award-winning vocal group New York Voices.
In addition to guest performances, the University’s faculty and student ensembles, as well as high school jazz ensembles, will participate in the festivities. Performances by local high school bands will kick off the week on Monday, April 7 and Tuesday, April 8. Each performance will be held at 6 p.m. in the Harre Union Ballrooms.
“Our commitment to presenting the highest quality professional musicians in concert as well as extraordinary performance and clinical opportunities for students of all ages continues with the 29th anniversary of the festival,” said Jeff Brown, jazz studies coordinator at Valparaiso University.
“This year we present more than 300 high school students from surrounding counties; new music commissioned especially for both Windiana and the Valparaiso University Jazz Ensemble; a tribute to jazz pianist/composer and native of Gary, Ind., Billy Foster; the exciting trombone/composer/arranger artistry of John Fedchock; and finally the Grammy Award-winning New York Voices,” Brown said.
Featured Jazz Fest performances include:
- Special Double Billing: Windiana Concert Band, featuring select repertoire as well as a special premiere of a commissioned composition; followed by “An Evening with Billy Foster, A Musical Retrospective” – Wednesday, April 9, 7 p.m., Harre Union Ballroom
- Valparaiso University Jazz Ensemble featuring guest trombonist John Fedchock. An evening of Fedchock’s arrangements and compositions as well as a special premiere commissioned performance – Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m., Harre Union Ballroom
- Valparaiso University Faculty Jazz Trio with guest John Fedchock – Friday, April 11, 7:30 p.m., Harre Union Ballroom
- The New York Voices – Saturday, April 12, 8 p.m., Harre Union Ballroom
“The excellent tradition of the Jazz Fest continues as we arrive on the cusp of our 30th anniversary,” Brown said. “Enjoy!”
The New York Voices headlines the week as part of the vocal group’s 25th anniversary. Described by the Boston Herald as the “most exciting vocal ensemble in current jazz,” New York Voices is known for close-knit harmonies, inspired arrangements, and unparalleled vocal blend. The group’s vocal stylings seamlessly blend jazz, Brazilian, rhythm and blues, classical, and pop music, mixing traditional sensibilities with more than a dash of the unexpected.
Windiana, Northwest Indiana’s professional concert band, has performed in China, Australia, and New Zealand, and for the national convention of the Association of Concert Bands. Members of Windiana have studied with some of the most notable musicians in America and are highly recognized for their performing and teaching.
John Fedchock joins the Valparaiso University Jazz Ensemble and Faculty Jazz Trio as a world-class trombone soloist, a heralded bandleader, and a Grammy Award-nominated arranger. His illustrious career has spanned more than three decades, and his multifaceted talents have led him to become one of New York City’s premier jazz artists.
In its near-30-year history, Valparaiso University’s Jazz Fest has welcomed many influential jazz musicians including jazz pianists Ramsey Lewis and Ellis Marsalis, trumpet legends Clark Terry and Maynard Ferguson, the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, and most recently world-renowned saxophonist David Sanborn featuring Hammond B-3 Organist Joey DeFrancesco.
Tickets are available beginning Tuesday, March 18, at the Harre Union Welcome Desk, 219.464.5415. For more information, visit valpo.edu/union
