Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - SFJAZZ Collective, an award-winning jazz ensemble, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 3, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.
The group's appearance in Nacogdoches is a feature of the SFA College of Fine Arts' University Series, "Live Out Loud."
The SFJAZZ Collective is an all-star jazz ensemble comprised of eight of the finest performer/composers at work in jazz today. Launched in 2004 by SFJAZZ, the Collective has quickly become one of the most exciting and acclaimed groups on the American and international jazz scenes, according to Dr. John W. Goodall, associate dean of the College of Fine Arts.
"If you're not already familiar with the artists who comprise the SFJAZZ Collective, you will be," Goodall said. "As soloists, composers and bandleaders, they represent what's happening now in jazz. They also demonstrate that jazz has truly become an international language. If you like jazz, you do not want to miss this performance."
The SFJAZZ Collective's 10th Anniversary Tour highlights the group's greatest arrangements and original compositions. This "best of" performance includes material from each of the Collective's tribute composers, including Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Horace Silver, Stevie Wonder and Chick Corea.
Hailing from Puerto Rico, Baltimore, New York, Venezuela, Israel and New Zealand, the Collective's multi-cultural lineup mirrors the explosion of jazz talent around the globe. Band members include Miguel Zenón, alto saxophone; David Sánchez, tenor saxophone; Avishai Cohen, trumpet; Robin Eubanks, trombone; Warren Wolf, vibraphone, marimba; Edward Simon, piano; Matt Penman, bass; and Obed Calvaire, drums.
SFJAZZ Collective is represented by Opus 3 Artists.
Prior to the concert, there will be a 7 p.m. informative talk about the artists and their music to be presented by Dr. Gary Wurtz, professor of trumpet and jazz studies at SFA, in Griffith Gallery located across the hall from Turner Auditorium. The audience is invited back to the gallery for a post-performance reception to recognize the event corporate sponsor, BancorpSouth.
Griffith Gallery and Turner Auditorium are located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive.
Tickets range from $20 to $40, with discounts available for seniors, SFA faculty/staff, students and youth. For tickets or more information, visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.