Share
Subscribe
Jazz in July a joyous tradition for musicians, students, and audiences alike
Features such outstanding talents as pianist Billy Taylor and vocalist Sheila Jordan.
For twenty-two years Jazz in July, an annual series of events presented by the Fine Arts Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has offered performances, lectures, demonstrations, and other special events that make glad the hearts of those who perform jazz, those who would like to, and those who relish listening to them. Featuring such outstanding talents as pianist Billy Taylor and vocalist Sheila Jordan, the series explores the theory, history, and practice of musical improvisation and enables aspiring jazz vocalists and instrumentalists to gain a deeper understanding and mastery of the lyrical expressiveness and technical facility that are at the heart of the jazz tradition. Over the years Jazz in July has taught hundreds of talented musicians from many nations and with a great variety of training and musical backgrounds.
This year’s instructional program, being held July 7—18, features two long-time staple topics, jazz instrumental combos and trio-backed jazz singing. Both are taught in intensive, performance-based workshops that make use of diverse teaching and performing approaches. The instrumental and vocal programs run simultaneously, so participants from both can join together in combined lectures, clinics, conversations, film and video screenings, performances, and jam sessions. A Teacher Incentive Program, created for music educators who wish to learn more about jazz or work toward re-certification, is being introduced this year.
This year’s performance highlights include the following:
The Jazz in July All Stars Concert(Thursday, July 17, 7:30 p.m., Bowker Auditorium; $12, general public, $6, students and seniors) will feature Billy Taylor and Sheila Jordan working alongside John Blake, violin; Chip Jackson, bass; Winard Harper, drums; Jeff Holmes, trumpet; and Willie Hill and Frederick Tillis, saxophone. They’ll be joined by legendary trombonist Slide Hampton, vocal great Marion Cowings, guitarists Draa Hobbs and Mark Pappas, vocalist and gospel music authority Horace Clarence Boyer, and saxophonist Adam Kolker.
Club Jazz in July,featuring instrumental and vocal jazz by program participants, will debut at the Murray D. Lincoln Campus Center on Wednesdays July 9 and 16, 7—10 p.m. There’s no cover charge, and a “summer grill menu” and cash bar will be available.
Jamsations, student performances that are free and open to the public, will be presented Fridays, July 11 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Bezanson Recital Hall.The public is also invited to attend any of eight faculty lectures, performances, and demonstrations being offered Monday through Thursday between 10:45 a.m. and noon in Bezanson Recital Hall. Tickets are $5 per event, or $25 for all eight.
Jazz in July