218 N. Eighth Street | Columbia, MO 65201
Admin: 573-449-3009 | Tickets: 573-449-3001
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Frank Wess Quintet
- Frank Wess, Saxophones/Flute
Terell Stafford, Trumpet
Llya Lushtak, Guitar
Rufus Reid, Bass
Winard Haper, Drums
Historically, there’s little doubt the term “all-stars” has been over used when it comes to putting a supremely talented group of musicians together for a performance. However in this case the label is right on the money. Saxophonist and flutist Frank Wess, still a world traveler and going strong at 86, rightly received the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master designation in 2007. When he joined Count Basie in 1954 he was already in his 30s – and established. His 60-year-plus career continues to be a marvel. He is one of our great musician treasures and among the most significant figures in the jazz world. That’s why we’re so filled with anticipation as he makes his first-ever Columbia appearance. Well, that and the all-star band he brings with him.
Wess has put together a truly formidable quintet that includes “We Always Swing” Jazz Series favorite son, trumpeter Terell Stafford, the Russian-born guitarist Ilya Lushtak, who has worked with Wess for more then five years now, Rufus Reid, one of the greatest of all modern jazz bassists who makes his first Jazz Series appearance since 2000, and now well-seasoned drummer Winard Harper who, like the bandleader, makes his first appearance here.
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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