World-renowned jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig to perform at SFA

Grammy-nominated jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig will perform in concert with the SFA Swingin' Axes at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 29, in W.M. Turner Auditorium. The concert marks the last event of the SFA College of Fine Arts' 2009-2010 University Series.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Patrons can expect an energetic evening of music as three-time Grammy-nominated jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig performs with Stephen F. Austin State University's Swingin' Axes at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 29, in W.M. Turner Auditorium as part of the SFA College of Fine Arts University Series.

Referred to as "the best trombonist on the planet" by jazz great Eddie Palmieri, Herwig has recorded 18 albums as a leader and over 200 total albums since beginning his professional career in 1980. His latest album, "Latin Side of Wayne Shorter," received a 2009 Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album.

The album is a follow-up project to the 2005 Grammy-nominated album, "Another Kind of Blue: The Latin Side of Miles Davis," and the 1998 Grammy-nominated "The Latin Side of John Coltrane." All three projects were recorded live at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City.

In constant demand as a sideman, Herwig has been a featured member in the Joe Henderson Sextet, Horace Silver Octet, Tom Harrell's Septet and Big Band, and the Joe Lovano Nonet. The trombonist also performs and records with Palmieri's La Perfecta II and Afro-Caribbean Jazz Octet, Paquito D'Rivera's Havana-New York Connection, and the Mingus Big Band.

In other big band settings, Herwig has performed with Clark Terry, Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis and Quincy Jones, the Gil Evans Orchestra, Tito Puente and Mario Bauza..

Currently a professor of jazz studies at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Herwig is a highly sought-after jazz educator who has received performance and teaching grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and conducted master classes, seminars and workshops for universities and conservatories around the world..

During the Nacogdoches concert, the Swingin' Axes and Herwig will perform works by Coltrane, George Gershwin and Charles Minus, including some of Herwig's own arrangements.

Prior to Herwig taking the stage, the Swingin' Aces and Swingin' Axes will each perform a set. The Aces are directed by SFA Assistant Professor of Trombone Deb Scott, and Associate Professor of Trumpet Gary Wurtz directs the Axes.

Scott will give a brief talk about the program at 7 p.m. in Griffith Gallery, across the hall from Turner Auditorium. The public is invited to return to the gallery after the concert for a reception honoring the event's corporate sponsor, Elliott Electric Supply.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and $6 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.