Rowan Jazz Festival celebrates 40 years
January 21, 2010Celebrating a milestone year, the 40th Annual Rowan Jazz Festival concludes with a gala concert event, “A Tribute to Duke Ellington,” on Friday, February 12, 2010 at 8 pm in the university’s Tohill Theatre.
Festival director and acclaimed jazz artist Denis DiBlasio welcomes noted trumpet player Frank Green and trombonist Jim McFalls, along with other guests, for this anniversary show. They join Rowan’s own Lab Band and Jazz Band as well as faculty performers.
Hosted by the Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz Studies at Rowan, the concert caps a three-day festival (February 10-12) that focuses on providing a non-competitive, educational environment. This year, 28 schools from throughout the region will take part in adjudication sessions, workshops and performances aimed at teaching, as well as spotlighting high school and middle school jazz musicians.
The daily schedule – from 9 am to 5 pm in Wilson Hall – gives each participating ensemble an opportunity to perform in front of clinicians, guests and other schools. Members of the Rowan jazz faculty and guest artists work with each band and provide valuable feedback. A clinic in the middle of each day can include anything from addressing specific topics to students performing for each other. These daily events are free and open to the public.
“The festival is a lively event filled with great playing and great educational experiences wrapped up in a friendly atmosphere,” DiBlasio says. “The non-competitive environment allows for groundbreaking, loose, interactive moments that have become the cornerstone of the festival.”
Tickets for the concert are $15 each, and free for Rowan students with valid ID. Purchase tickets online at www.rowan.tix.com or call the box office at 856-256-4545. Admission to the daytime events is free. For more information on the festival and the daily schedule, contact Denis DiBlasio at 856-256-4500, ext. 3528. Tohill Theatre is located in Bunce Hall on the campus of Rowan University, Route 322 in Glassboro.
