Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts and the School of Music at Stephen F. Austin State University will present acclaimed trombonist, composer and producer Delfeayo Marsalis in a compelling performance with SFA’s Swingin’ Axes jazz band at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 19, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.
The final University Series event of the 2023-24 Centennial Season, the concert provides an exciting opportunity to see and hear this renowned New Orleans musician as he takes the stage with SFA’s outstanding jazz musicians. The concert is sponsored in part by Etech.
“The Marsalis family is modern jazz royalty, so any time you have the opportunity to hear one of them in concert, you are in for a treat,” said Dr. Gary Wurtz, dean of the Elliott College of Fine Arts. “Ellis Marsalis, the father of the four famous brothers, was a legendary jazz pianist. Following in his footsteps, Wynton, Branford, Jason and Delfeayo have all made their own name and mark in contemporary jazz, which is a remarkable achievement for one family. Our students will spend a couple of days with Delfeayo, as he teaches and performs with them, and it will be something they will never forget.”
A member of the legendary Marsalis family of musicians, Delfeayo was destined to a life in music, touring internationally with jazz legends such as Ray Charles, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones and Slide Hampton, as well as leading his own groups. He has founded three nonprofit organizations that strengthen the arts community in New Orleans: Uptown Music Theatre, Uptown Jazz Orchestra and Keep New Orleans Music Alive.
“We’re so thrilled to have Delfeayo Marsalis coming to work with our students,” said Dr. J.D. Salas, director of jazz studies at SFA and director of the Swingin’ Axes. “On top of his wealth of musical talent, Marsalis is an incredible advocate for jazz education and has also branched out to include work as a producer for other jazz artists. This makes him an ideal guest artist for the Swingin’ Axes, which has students majoring in performance, education, and sound recording technology. In addition to performing with the Axes, he will host a master class and a question-and-answer session with our students.”
Following the performance, the audience is invited to a reception to honor the guest performer and event corporate sponsor.
Turner Auditorium is located in Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive.
Single event tickets for the Swingin’ Axes with Delfeayo Marsalis are adult, $20; senior (62 or better), $16; SFA faculty/staff, $10; non-SFA student/youth, $8; SFA student, $3. To purchase tickets, visit the Fine Arts Box Office website or call (936) 468-6407. The Fine Arts Box Office is located in the second floor lobby, Griffith Fine Arts Building.