Dave Holland Quintet Announced Among Headliners Of 9th Performing Arts Jazz Festival

DANBURY — Three full days of concerts, clinics and master classes will be on tap during the Ninth Annual WestConn/Litchfield Performing Arts Jazz Festival from Thursday, April 29, through Saturday, May 1, at Western Connecticut State University.

The festival will hold something for everyone: participating middle school, high school, and college musicians will be videotaped while performing and receive feedback from some of the best jazz clinicians in the business. They also will be able to attend master classes and clinics for rhythm section, trombone, trumpet and saxophone.

Audiences will hear awe-inspiring performances both day and night from student musicians and professionals, including the Dave Holland Quintet and an all-star assemblage of performers.

WestConn Professor of Music Dr Dan Goble is coordinating the impressive line-up of performers and events.

“This year’s jazz festival promises to be big — perhaps even our biggest,” said Dr Goble. “The Dave Holland Quintet is currently the hottest group in jazz, and we’re thrilled they’re coming to WestConn.”

At 11 am on Thursday, April 29, the first of the events open to the public will take place, with an all-star clinicians concert in Ives Concert Hall in White Hall on the university’s midtown campus. The performance will feature trumpet player Terrell Stafford, saxophonist Don Braden, trombone player Alastair Kay, pianist Xavier Davis, bass player Rufus Reid, guitarist Mark Whitfield and drummer Jeff Siegel.

Tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and non-participating students.

Plans are being developed for an All-Star Jam to be held at 9 pm on Thursday, April 29, at a location in Danbury. There will be a $10 cover charge for admission.

The Dave Holland Quintet will take the stage at 7 pm on Friday, April 30, in Ives Concert Hall, 181 White Street. Also performing Friday evening will be the WCSU Jazz Quintets I and II. Tickets will be $25 for adults and $15 for senior citizens and non-participating students.

The Dave Holland Quintet features Dave Holland on bass, Chris Potter on saxophone, Robin Eubanks on trombone, Steve Nelson on vibes and Billy Kilson on drums. The group’s two albums both were Grammy nominees, and the band was named the premier Acoustic Jazz Group of the Year by the Down Beat critics’ poll and Best Combo of the Year in the Bell Atlantic jazz awards.

The WCSU Jazz Orchestra will play with Canadian trombonist Alastair Kay and jazz legend Rufus Reid on bass at 7 pm on Saturday, May 1, in Ives Concert Hall. Also scheduled to perform will be the Central Connecticut State University’s Jazz Ensemble and two outstanding high school jazz ensembles selected from that afternoon’s performances. Tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and non-participating students.

For more information about how to participate in or attend the jazz festival, visit the WestConn Music Department website at www.wcsu.edu/music, call the music department at 837-8350, or call the WCSU Office of Public Relations at 837-8486.