The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music will host another Jazz Week bringing talented jazz artists to The University of Memphis.
Headlining the weeklong event is up-and-coming star Kurt Elling. With Elling, the week also features the acclaimed Benny Powell, one of the last founding members of the Count Basie Orchestra, ensemble Blue Ascendance and several student and faculty performances.
Jazz Week runs Feb. 28 - March 4. All events begin at 7:30 p.m. With three venues - Rose Theatre, Memphis Drum Shop and The Harris Concert Hall - the event promises a full schedule.
"It's an important educational event for us," said Jack Cooper, director of Jazz Studies.
Twelve high school jazz bands from in and around Memphis will compete against each other, and Elling and Powell will host open clinics Friday and Saturday.
Tonight student groups will perform in jazz combos at the Harris Concert Hall.
Tomorrow the jazz-R&B ensemble Blue Ascendance will perform at the Harris Concert Hall.
"I'm a part of the B-band, the Blue Ascendance," said Zeynep Calikoglu, composition major. "Being from Turkey, I never thought I would meet Elling."
The Memphis Drum Shop will host two student choirs performing a "Jazz Singers" show on March 2.
Friday brings esteemed trombonist Benny Powell to audiences.
"Benny Powell is our link to the past," Cooper said. "Powell once played with the legendary Count Basie Band."
A New Orleans legend, Powell has played alongside Randy Weston as well as on television's "Merv Griffin Show."
"I enjoy listening to jazz music," said Chris Johnson, junior journalism major. "After hearing about jazz week, I will attempt to attend.
Kurt Elling will close the week. Performing alongside his trio, Grammy nominated Elling will also sit in with The U of M's 17-piece big band Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra. Elling, a Chicago native, is known for his improvisation and virtuosic range.
The concerts at the Harris Concert Hall are free to the public. Admission to Saturday night's concert at the Michael D. Rose Theatre is $10 for the public, $7 for seniors and U of M students are admitted free with their student ID.
