218 N. Eighth Street | Columbia, MO 65201
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News Archives
Jazz Series Launches Annual Fund as dollar-for-dollar match for major NEA Jazz Masters Live
Posted November 6, 2008 by Greg Aker
This is a special year for us. As recipients of a major grant from the National Endowment for the Arts – the Jazz Masters Live Initiative we are required to match the award dollar for dollar. The goal: $30,000 – and we need do reach it by February 18, 2008 – the day commissioned composer and Kansas City native Bob Brookmeyer returns to Missouri to conduct the world premier of his new work performed by the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, at the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts. This season your tax-deductible donation to the Jazz Series goes twice as far.
Jazz Series Receives NEA Grant
Posted July 15, 2008 by Greg Aker
“We Always Swing” Jazz Series snags prestigious NEA Jazz Masters Live grants…
Organization, one of only 12 presenters in the United States selected to receive $30,000 award paves the way for Missouri native and NEA Jazz Master Bob Brookmeyer to compose new work for the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. New York-based, 16-piece orchestra arrives in Columbia to perform world premiere February 18, 2009, at the Missouri Theatre with Brookmeyer as guest conductor. Also on hand: Dan Morgenstern, fellow NEA Jazz Master and Director of Rutgers Jazz Institute. The world renowned historian will serve as guest emcee and host a pair of forums: a one-on-one interview with Brookmeyer and an in-depth look into the chronology of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, which has been holding court at jazz’s most famous basement – The Village Vanguard – since 1965. Much-anticipated events serve as centerpiece for MU’s Arts & Science Week.
Are you ready to get your 2008/2009 “Swing” on?
Posted July 15, 2008 by Greg Aker
The 2008/2009 “We Always Swing” Jazz Series has arrived and tickets are on sale NOW!
On tap: a sumptuous mix of modern jazz – small groups, large ensembles, varied instrumentation and instrumentalists, vocalists, male and female artists, special events and educational activities all rolled into our 14th season.
We think we have put together a great season, one filled with 10 regularly scheduled concerts and a trio of fun-filled special-event performances that take place in a venues small and large – from the intimacy of Murry’s and the new Ragtag Cinema to the full-size feel of the newly restored Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts and mid-sized houses such as The Blue Note and Stephens College’s Windsor Auditorium and Lela Rainey Wood Ballroom.
Thanks to Socket Internet
Posted March 18, 2008 by Greg Aker
Many thanks to Socket Internet for their assistance after our office data server decided to melt down. Socket generously donated some hard drives and a special computer card. Without this help, our “tech world” would have been in some trouble. If you’re a Socket customer, please make sure to tell them “thanks” for their ongoing support for the Jazz Series. If you’re not a customer, check them out!
Also, please look at our sponsor page. When you give these great companies your business, please make sure to tell them the Jazz Series sent you!
Grant Elementary 5th Graders Respond to Annual Children’s Concert
Posted March 7, 2008 by Greg Aker
Grant Elementary 5th Graders from Matt Kuensting’s class had something to say about the 2008 Children’s Concert Featuring the Terell Stafford Quintet. Click here to see what they had to say.
Special Raffle: Autographed Wynton Marsalis Book…
Posted December 20, 2007 by Greg Aker
Proceeds go for education…
Here’s a great, cost-effective way to support the Jazz Series. Among the “pearls” in our possession is a single copy of Sweet Swing Blues on the Road (Norton, 191 pgs.), a 1994 hard-bound book written by Wynton Marsalis with photographs by Frank Stewart. Mr. Marsalis signed a copy for us - and we are willing to part with it for a small price. Raffle Tickets Cost: $2 per ticket, $5 for 3 tickets, $10 for 10 tickets or $20 for a book of 25 tickets.
Jazz Series serves up “Big Band Night”
Posted December 1, 2007 by Greg Aker
to benefit James Williams Jazz Series Education Program & Scholarship Fund, March 11.
The Jazz Series, in conjunction with Hickman High School, Rock Bridge High School and the recently formed “Monday Night Big Band” will host a big-band extravaganza on Tuesday, March 11, 7 p.m., in Hickman’s 1,000-seat Auditorium with all proceeds going to the Jazz Series’ education program including its scholarship fund. Tickets are $5 students and $9 public and will be available through the Jazz Series box office, both high schools and at all TicketMaster outlets. People can also purchase tickets on line at ticketmaster.com.
Special Holiday Gift Card Certificates
Posted November 8, 2007 by Greg Aker
The Jazz Series and Murry’s announced today that beginning immediately they are making available a special “Flexible $100.00 Holiday Gift Certificates.” The unique Gift Card Certificate - available exclusively through the Jazz Series at its downtown office on Eighth Street – covers cost toward both a pair of tickets to ANY Jazz Series concert AND makes the remaining funds available for dining at Murry’s. The “Flexibility” of the Gift Card means people can request that a Certificate’s value be increased to any amount desired above the $100 minimum. If recipients prefer they can redeem the Jazz Series and the Murry’s parts simultaneously but use them separately…
Initial ticket sales Jazz Series’ best-ever…
Posted September 4, 2007 by Greg Aker
The word is out. The 2007/2008 "We Always Swing" Jazz Series schedule has attracted a lot of people. As a result, a number of the performances, particularly those in intimate spaces, are already approaching capacity. Season tickets, 5-concert packages and the customized build-your-own 6-Ticket Sampler remain available –as do individual tickets to ALL Jazz Series events. Not surprisingly, sales for the Annual Downtown Columbia "Jazz, Wine & Beer" Pub Crawl are brisk.
Michael O'Brien, Dean of MU's College of Arts & Science, joins Jazz Series Board.
The Jazz Series is pleased to announce that Michael O'Brien, Dean of College of Arts & Sciences, has been elected unanimously to the Jazz Series Board of Directors on July 1. "To have someone of Michael O'Brien's talent, experience, understanding and overall organizational skills, join the Jazz Series board," said Jon Poses, who serves as the organization's executive director, "is a big plus." We're extremely excited about this development. The MU administrator's purview incorporates the School of Music whose faculty includes Doug Leibinger, Director of Jazz Studies – and another board of the directors member.
The 300/$100 - 600/$50 Combo Challenge to reach $30,000
Posted April 14, 2007 by Greg Aker
PLEASE JOIN US, WON'T YOU???
Many of you have thanked us for making the "We Always Swing" Jazz Series possible. Many of you have remarked that the Jazz Series makes living in Columbia and the surrounding central Missouri better. Such kind words mean a lot to us and keep us going, but, here's YOUR chance to really help the Jazz Series – by joining so many others who already have contributed. Please make a tax-deductible contribution and help us meet our goal. A gift today will have a positive impact and make a lasting impression.
We're calling it the "300/$100 – 600/$50 Combination Challenge." We're looking to attract – and have people like you help us attract still others – 300 to 600 people who are willing to make contributions of $50 or $100. If you can contribute more then please do so. However, if 300 to 600 pledge your support then we will reach our $30,000 goal by June 30 – which marks the completion of our current fiscal year.
FREE Latin Jazz Clinic Announced!
Posted March 2, 2007 by Greg Aker
Jazz Series will host a FREE clinic with the "Latin Side of..." project featuring Conrad Herwig & Brian Lynch at the Blue Note, Thursday, March 8 from 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Tickets to the concert are still available through the Jazz Series Box Office, The Blue Note, all Ticketmaster outlets & online at ticketmaster.com.
* * *
The annual children's concert will take place Monday, March 19, 2007 from 10 - 10:50 a.m. in the Hickman High School Auditorium. There are a limited number of seats left. Please call the Jazz Series for more information.
Columbia Public School System Grades K - 5 are eligible to attend. Click here for more information.
Jazz Series Merchandise
Do you have the Jazz Series' CD, Soulful Serendipity, the Bobby Watson & James Williams Duo? You can purchase the CD directly from our website using PayPal. For more information & to listen to tracks, click here.
What do you think?
The Jazz Series would love to hear from you. Give us a call at 449-3009, , or stop by to chat about jazz or baseball.
Press Release - 3/2/07
Posted March 1, 2007 by Greg Aker
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
"We Always Swing" Jazz Series hosts
Conrad Herwig & Brian Lynch's "Latin Side Of..." Project
Grammy-nominated 7-piece ensemble offers FREE MASTER CLASS and PERFORMANCE
THURSDAY, MARCH 8 at THE BLUE NOTE
Repertoire celebrates 80th birth year of Miles Davis & John Coltrane.
Columbia, MO – The 2007-2008 "We Always Swing" Jazz Series continues THURDAY, MARCH 8 at the Blue Note with one of the country's most-acclaimed ensemble, "LATIN SIDE OF..." PROJECT presented by Grammy-nominated trombonist Conrad Herwig and recent Latin Jazz Grammy-winning trumpeter Brian Lynch. The group will offer an afternoon Latin jazz master class, from 4 p.m.-5:15 and an evening concert with doors at 7 p.m. The master class is FREE and open to all music students as well the community. Tickets for the evening concert are available at all Ticketmaster outlets including the Jazz Series Box Office (573/449-3001) and The Blue Note (573/874-1944). Tickets may also be purchased on line (www.ticketmaster.com). Student and group ticket discounts are also available.
Children’s Concert Announced
Posted December 18, 2006 by Greg Aker
The annual children's concert will take place Monday, March 19, 2007 from 10 - 10:50 a.m. in the Hickman High School Auditorium.
Columbia Public School System Grades K - 5 are eligible to attend. Click here for more information.
Upcoming Events
An Evening With Bill Frisell
featuring Greg Leisz, (steel guitar/dobro) &
Jenny Scheinman, (violin)
Presented by National Pastimes Productions, The Blue Note & Murry's in association with "We Always Swing" Jazz Series
Tickets On Sale Now!
Go to ticketmaster.com or call the Jazz Series Box Office at (573)449-3001.
Click here for more information.
www.nationalpastimes.com
www.thebluenote.com
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'Tis Autumn, The Search for Jackie Paris
Shared Fundraiser for the "We Always Swing" Jazz Series & RagTag Cinema
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 7 p.m. - Fundraiser - $45
Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 5:15 p.m. - Movie Only - $7, Adults / $4 Students
Purchase tickets by calling the Jazz Series Box Office or through Ticketmaster Online.
Did you know you can donate to the Jazz Series via PayPal? Click here to find out more information.
* * *
Jazz Series Merchandise
Do you have the Jazz Series' CD, Soulful Serendipity, the Bobby Watson & James Williams Duo? You can purchase the CD directly from our website using PayPal. For more information & to listen to tracks, click here.
Upcoming Events—
Posted December 4, 2006 by Greg Aker
An Evening With Bill Frisell
featuring Greg Leisz, (steel guitar/dobro) & Jenny Scheinman, (violin)
Only Missouri Appearance!Presented by National Pastimes Productions, The Blue Note & Murry's in association with "We Always Swing" Jazz Series
Tickets On Sale Now!
Go to ticketmaster.com or call the Jazz Series Box Office at (573)449-3001.
Click here for more information.
www.nationalpastimes.com
www.thebluenote.com
* * *
'Tis Autumn, The Search for Jackie Paris
Shared Fundraiser for the "We Always Swing" Jazz Series & RagTag Cinema
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 7 p.m. - Fundraiser - $45
Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 5:15 p.m. - Movie Only - $7, Adults / $4 Students
Purchase tickets by calling the Jazz Series Box Office or through Ticketmaster Online.
Did you know you can donate to the Jazz Series via PayPal? Click here to find out more information.
* * *
Do you have the Jazz Series' CD, Soulful Serendipity, the Bobby Watson & James Williams Duo? You can purchase the CD directly from our website using PayPal. For more information & to listen to tracks, click here.
News 09/14
Posted September 14, 2006 by Greg Aker
WHAT’S UP WITH THE ANNUAL DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA “JAZZ, WINE & BEER” PUB CRAWL?The 2006-2007 “We Always Swing” Jazz Series kicks off THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, in earnest with the always-popular fundraiser: the Annual Downtown Columbia “Jazz, Wine & Beer” Pub Crawl. Don’t be left out. As always, tickets are moving at a rapid clip. They’re available a select Ticketmaster outlets including the Jazz Series Box Office, Blue Note, Streetside Records and Schnucks. New this season: for your convenience you can also order them on line at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone (866)646-8849 or (573)449-3001.
Welcome to the 2006-2007 Season
Posted August 16, 2006 by Greg Aker
With the arrival of the 2006-2007 season, the "We Always Swing" Jazz Series turns twelve. In large part this is due to you—our concertgoers and supporters. We have found that with each passing season, more of you become season ticket holders and multiple concertgoers; more of you tell others about this project—and more of you are taking the time to consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the Jazz Series. You give us a sense of purpose making us feel as if the Jazz Series is good for the community and worth supporting.
Jazz Series Releases CD
Posted March 1, 2005 by Greg Aker
Jazz Series Album - "Soulful Serendipity"
The "We Always Swing" Jazz Series announced it has just released the much-anticipated and long-awaited Soulful Serendipity, a live CD featuring the late pianist James Williams and saxophonist Bobby Watson in concert. The performance and recording, captured June 14, 2003, in Columbia, Mo., as a "House Concert" marks the ONLY time the two "middle generation" jazz greats performed solely as a duo in their respective illustrious careers that dates to their days with Art Blakey as Jazz Messengers.
The 77-minute CD is significant for many reasons. For starters, net proceeds from the sale of the limited edition 2,000-copy pressing will be shared equally between the Jazz Series, which formally named its education program after Williams upon his July 20, 2004, passing, and UMKC Conservatory of Music, which Watson has directed since 1999.
Jazz Series Launches Annual Fund as dollar-for-dollar match for major NEA Jazz Masters Live
This is a special year for us. As recipients of a major grant from the National Endowment for the Arts – the Jazz Masters Live Initiative we are required to match the award dollar for dollar. The goal: $30,000 – and we need do reach it by February 18, 2008 – the day commissioned composer and Kansas City native Bob Brookmeyer returns to Missouri to conduct the world premier of his new work performed by the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, at the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts. This season your tax-deductible donation to the Jazz Series goes twice as far.
Jazz Series Receives NEA Grant
“We Always Swing” Jazz Series snags prestigious NEA Jazz Masters Live grants…
Organization, one of only 12 presenters in the United States selected to receive $30,000 award paves the way for Missouri native and NEA Jazz Master Bob Brookmeyer to compose new work for the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. New York-based, 16-piece orchestra arrives in Columbia to perform world premiere February 18, 2009, at the Missouri Theatre with Brookmeyer as guest conductor. Also on hand: Dan Morgenstern, fellow NEA Jazz Master and Director of Rutgers Jazz Institute. The world renowned historian will serve as guest emcee and host a pair of forums: a one-on-one interview with Brookmeyer and an in-depth look into the chronology of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, which has been holding court at jazz’s most famous basement – The Village Vanguard – since 1965. Much-anticipated events serve as centerpiece for MU’s Arts & Science Week.
Are you ready to get your 2008/2009 “Swing” on?
The 2008/2009 “We Always Swing” Jazz Series has arrived and tickets are on sale NOW!
On tap: a sumptuous mix of modern jazz – small groups, large ensembles, varied instrumentation and instrumentalists, vocalists, male and female artists, special events and educational activities all rolled into our 14th season.
We think we have put together a great season, one filled with 10 regularly scheduled concerts and a trio of fun-filled special-event performances that take place in a venues small and large – from the intimacy of Murry’s and the new Ragtag Cinema to the full-size feel of the newly restored Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts and mid-sized houses such as The Blue Note and Stephens College’s Windsor Auditorium and Lela Rainey Wood Ballroom.
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