For some artists, the creative process begins with politics – personal outcries on hot topics of the day. Other artists find their muses internally – their passion is at once their outlet and refill station; the act of creating art becomes a stimulant and food for continuing imaginative output. Essentially, passion begets passion. Ron Wilkins, an acclaimed troubadour of the slide trombone from San Antonio, Texas, has always been an artist of the latter. For him, finding his own voice in jazz music – specifically the slide trombone – has led to a very successful career centered around an insatiable, infectious appetite for good times through great music. Having worked with top tier talent for years now – a short list of notables would include Rosemary Clooney, Dizzy Gillespie, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Bob Hope, Lena Horne and more – one might expect a man of such talent and prestige to be unapproachable, or even snobby.

Fortunately for us, nothing could be farther from the truth.

You see, Ron Wilkinson, who was brought up in a musically aesthetic household where greats like Jimmy Smith, Gene Ammonds, Maynard Furguson (and, of course, greats like Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey and Duke Ellington) shared more than equal time on the turntable as the Beatles and 'Stones, was brought up to understand the power of charisma and inclusiveness in great music. "There's a great legacy of Slide Trombonists – but most people would never know… The greats are distinguished by their charisma. Artists like Armstrong, Ellington, etcetera have a know with their audiences." That "know" translates to shows that are more conversations than lectures or demonstrations of ability. Mr. Wilkins is a favorite of the San Antonio Jazz Club circuit for that very reason; he is as approachable in person as his music is onstage – you want to talk to this man as much as you need to listen.

Once again, this is fortunate for us, because from November 6th to the 8th, Wilkins will make his first trip to UMASS Amherst as the featured guest for the First Light Jazz Residency Series. Over the course of those three days he'll teach, talk, jam and jazz up the local music scene as he plays several concerts, takes questions, instructs anyone wise enough to seek his experience and infect all with his passion for jazz music and the slide trombone. What all this boils down to is a simple fact: if somehow you come to see Ron Wilkins play without a passion for jazz music, you'll leave with one.

On November 6th and 7th, Wilkins will conduct multiple workshops and lecture demonstrations with members of the University of Massachusetts Jazz Studies Program. Also, on Wednesday November 7th he will perform a mini concert for the Lively Arts. Charts and arrangements will be exchanged and rehearsed for the November 8th concert which will feature guest artist Ron Wilkins performing with various department ensembles. They will perform selections from his and the students repertoire. For additional information on Ron Wilkins point your webpage to http://pages.prodigy.net/rnrwilkbeek/.

Ron Wilkins will be in residence from November 6-8 and will give a public performance on November 8 at 8pm in Bezanson Recital Hall. Tickets are $12 and $5. For information, check out the Fine Arts Center web site at www.fineartscenter.com or call the Fine Arts Center Box Office at 545-2511 or 1-800-999-UMAS.