NSU jazz studies program presents special artist Ashley Duke TNE Writer

Ashley Duke/TNE Devin Farmer, Berryhill junior, practices the trumpet to prepare for Jam-balaya. The jazz ensemble will perform with special artist Al Hood, Jan. 31. Members of NSU and the surrounding community are invited to attend dinner and a show featuring a guest artist. The event is Jam-balaya, which is presented annually by the NSU Jazz Studies Program. Jam-balaya is a great chance to have a nice date night or just a good dinner and help support the NSU Jazz Studies Program, said Devin Farmer, Berryhill junior. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 31. It consists of jambalaya, bread pudding, lemonade, coffee, and iced tea. The concert begins at 7 p.m. NSU Jazz Ensemble and features trumpeter Al Hood will lead the concert. As the lead trumpet, it is an honor to be able to perform with Al Hood, said Devin Farmer, Berryhill junior. It is always great to be able to perform with the world-class artists that we invite to perform at NSU. Al Hood is one of the finest trumpeters in the world and to share the stage and make music with him is going to be magical. Al Hood has performed for more than 30 years. He was once a regular member of the Phil Collins Big Band and toured the world. Hood also took the stage with many other renowned musicians. He is now the associate professor of trumpet at University of Denver.

Al Hood has a really great outgoing personality, said Dr. Tommy Poole, NSU Director of Jazz Studies. I know he will communicate with the audience great and connect with them by the way he speaks and the way he plays. He is very dynamic in terms of his range and his volume. He has superior command of the trumpet and is a great jazz player as well. The money received at Jam-balaya will go toward the NSU Jazz scholarship fund. It supports the Joe Davis/Jacob Farinelli scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to two Jazz Studies students annually. The money is also used to fund the NSU Jazz guest artist series. We average about five guest artist annually at NSU Jazz, said Poole. We fly in an internationally renowned jazz musician from New York or Los Angeles to perform with us. Our last guest artist is typically someone who is well known from the region. The other ones are very well known in the jazz community. The dinner for Jam-balaya cost $20 per person or $35 per couple. There will also be a silent auction happening throughout the night. It's always a neat experience hearing all of the guest artists that NSU brings to town, said Austin Stunkard, Coweta senior. It also provides an opportunity to see NSU students perform with these professionals. Going to Jam-balaya will also give an insight on future events concerning the music department. Reservations can be made by calling 918-444-4602 or emailing lutzm@nsuok.edu. For more information, visit www.nsujazzlab.com.

Published 1/21/14