Following our Jazz Improv series that took place on Thursdays during the months of February and March, B’Town Jazz is delighted to present…
The Future of Jazz 2022
Jackson Creek Middle School auditorium
April 5th at 7:00pm
Guest Artist Greg Ward
Free and open to the public
($10 suggested donation)
This annual concert is an opportunity to hear some very talented local students who participated in the Jazz Jams series, learning from many of the best jazz educators in Indiana. The concert will include a Middle School Honor Combo, a Bloomington High School South combo, and 3 combos from Bloomington High School North. Special guest artist, Greg Ward, will work with the students beforehand and close out the concert. David Brent Johnson, from WFIU, will do the introductions.
Greg Ward is an Assistant Professor of Music in Jazz Studies at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, appointed in 2019. A saxophonist and composer born in Peoria, Illinois, he has performed and recorded with a varied group of artists, produced four recordings, and composed works commissioned by a variety of organizations, including B’Town Jazz.
The 2021 B’Town Jazz Fest — better than ever!
Saturday of Labor Day Weekend – Noon to 11 pm – @ The Woolery Mill
The 2021 Jazz Fest ran for an incredible 11 hours, with 17 hours of music on two stages! Special guest Randy Brecker, who flew in from NY City, topped off a day filled with all our favorite musicians. (Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, his wife and co-performer, Ada Rovatti, could not accompany him.) Randy spent time as a student in Bloomington years ago, and it was great to be able to welcome him back, thanks to a grant from the Smithville Charitable Foundation.
In addition, there were premieres of TWO brand new compositions by IU professors Greg Ward and Wayne Wallace. These works were commissioned by B’Town Jazz in response to the increasing awareness of racial justice and equity issues. Thank you Greg and Wayne for such awesome music! (Donations to help pay for their efforts are still being accepted! See the Support page.)
Thanks to all our sponsors and donors, the performers, volunteers, and everyone who came out to enjoy this wonderful event!
As pictures, and video taken by Bloomington Community Access Television, become available, we’ll post links here.