PLU University Jazz Ensemble’s upcoming concert

On Friday, May 11th, the public is invited to a collaborative concert featuring the Stadium High School Jazz Band, the Pacific Lutheran University Jazz Ensemble and special guest and world renowned saxophonist, Vincent Herring.

Thanks to a generous endowment established by PLU alumnus Dr. Richard Weathermon ’50, the Richard and Helen Weathermon Joyful Noise Endowment for jazz studies created an annual two-day artist-in-residence program to bring a renowned jazz artist to campus to perform with the University Jazz Ensemble and a select local high school jazz band, to lead rehearsals and public master classes, and participate in other educational and performance activities.

Last year, the University Jazz Ensemble featured tenor saxophonist, Jeff Coffin. This year, alto saxophonist Vincent Herring will be performing. Vincent has performed and recorded with Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Hayes, Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers, Horace Silver Quintet, Jack DeJohnette’s Special Edition, Larry Coryell, Steve Turre, The Mingus Big Band, Kenny Barron, Nancy Wilson, Dr. Billy Taylor, Carla Bley, Mike LeDonne, Carl Allen, and many others. His extensive guest soloist appearances include performances with Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center with Jon Faddis and The Carnegie Hall Big Band. Vincent tours frequently around the United States, Europe, Japan and China. Vincent continues to share his distinct voice and musical knowledge, as a performer and jazz educator. He is currently on staff at William Paterson University and at Manhattan School of Music.

The University Jazz Ensemble, currently under the direction of Dr. Jared Hall, is a critically-acclaimed large ensemble representing jazz and creative music at Pacific Lutheran University. The ensemble performs regularly on the PLU campus, at jazz venues in the Puget Sound area, regional high schools, and national jazz festivals. The ensemble performs jazz big band repertoire from all eras of music, from Duke Ellington to Maria Schneider, and covers all styles of jazz from early swing to hard bop, rock and fusion.

“Vincent is one of those stylistically versatile musicians who can and has played with virtually every great jazz artist. He is a pillar on both the New York and national jazz scenes, having links to the great bands of Art Blakey and Horace Silver. I find his artistic voice driving both blazing and clear towards new directions in music while paying homage to the jazz tradition,” remarked Dr. Jared Hall.

“I am excited Vincent will be able to work with the Stadium High School and PLU students on what this creative music means in the greater context of our nation’s history and message to the world.”

The concert will take place Friday, May 11th at 8pm in the Eastvold Auditorium of the Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available online at Eventbrite. $10 – General admission; $5 – 60+, military, PLU alumni and students; free – high school students and younger.