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Fine Arts Center’s Jazz in July Program Celebrates 40 Years with Free Concert in Downtown Amherst

On Friday, July 30, the UMass Fine Arts Center’s Jazz in July program celebrates its 40 Year Anniversary with a free student, alumni and faculty concert as part of the Amherst BID’s Downtown Beats Summer Concert Series. Located at the Amherst Town Common, the 4 p.m. set features students and alumni of the esteemed jazz education program. At 7 p.m. members of the Jazz in July world-class faculty take the stage including bassist Avery Sharpe, vocalist Sheila Jordan, trombonist Steve Davis, drummer Winard Harper and composer, keyboardist and trumpeter Jeff Holmes-- who is also the artistic director of Jazz in July. For 40 years, the Jazz in July summer music program at the UMass Fine Arts Center has fostered a multigenerational learning environment that allows participants to grow and thrive as jazz musicians. The 40th Anniversary Concert is a dual celebration of both the program and a return to in-person jazz experiences as the educational component of the program was virtual for the 2020 and 2021 season due to COVID-19 restrictions.

About Jazz in July

Jazz in July is a program of the UMass Fine Arts Center founded in 1981 and sponsored in cooperation with the UMass Amherst department of music and dance and the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. Instrumental ensemble and vocal soloists programs offer students the chance to study with professional world-class faculty. The rigorous training includes instrument/vocal master classes, group clinics, jazz theory and improvisation training, ensemble coaching, jam sessions, combined lectures and public performances by participants.

Please check fineartscenter.com for more information.