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Vibrophonist
Stefon Harris Headlines WIU Jazz Festival Feb. 14
Junior high through college-aged jazz musicians
will converge on Western Thursday, Feb. 13 though Saturday,
Feb. 15 for the 30th Annual Jazz Festival, which will feature
clinics with guest artists, band competitions and performances.
This year's Jazz Festival will include a
Valentine's Day headline performance by vibrophonist and composer
Stefon Harris, presented by Western 's Bureau of Cultural Affairs,
in conjunction with the College of Fine Arts and Communication.
Tickets for Harris' 7:30 p.m. Friday,
Feb. 14 concert in Western Hall will go on sale Tuesday,
Jan. 28 at the Union Box Office, telephone 298-1254, and online
at https://www.student.services.wiu.edu/bca.
Public ticket prices are $17, $21 and $24. Mastercard, Visa and
Discover cards accepted. The Union Box Office hours are 8 a.m.
to 8 p.m. daily.
The 29-year-old Harris recorded his solo
debut, "A Cloud of Dust," in 1998; and his 1999 release,
"Black Action Figure," earned him a Grammy nomination.
The Jazz Journalist Association voted him "Best Mallet Player"
(2000, 2001). He also has earned top recognition from Newsweek
(Best Jazz CD), Downbeat (Critics Poll Winner) and the Chicago
Tribune (Debut of the Year) and received the prestigious Martin
E. Segal Award (1997) from the Lincoln Center.
The weekend events will also feature clinics
for Festival participants. Artists and clinicians include pianist
Jim McNeely; trumpeter Brian Coyle; bassist Toby Curtright, a
Western music alumnus; and music faculty Kevin Nichols on
percussion; John Mindeman on trombone and John Vana
on saxophone.
Jazz Festival activities will kick off with
a guest artist jam session at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13
at the Macomb Dining Company. There will be a cover charge at
the door.
Clinics and competition will be held
Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14-15, in the University Union and
the Simpkins Hall COFAC Recital Hall; and concerts by Western's
Jazz Studio Orchestra, McNeely and WIU jazz faculty will be held
at 5 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday in the Union
Grand Ballroom.
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