University Times

The Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year with an expanded line-up of jazz greats, a commemorative photo book and the recording of the concert on compact disc.

Performers for the Oct. 30 – Nov. 4 events include James Moody, Grover Washington Jr. and Pitt jazz studies program director Nathan Davis on saxophone; Jon Faddis and Randy Brecker, trumpet; Patrice Rushen, piano; Abraham Laboriel, bass, and Idris Muhammad, drums.

In keeping with tradition, several guest performers will present a series of free educational seminars at the University, and three of the musicians will visit local elementary and secondary schools. Two representatives from the music industry also will be on hand to talk with aspiring jazz musicians in Pitt's jazz studies program.

Seminar week will conclude with a concert featuring all of the musicians on Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. in the Carnegie Music Hall. Tickets are $18.50 and available at the William Pitt Union box office or by calling TicketMaster at 323-1919.

During the concert, the musicians will perform arrangements and compositions specially prepared by Pitt's Davis to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the jazz seminar and concert.

Former Pitt Provost Donald Henderson will serve as master of ceremonies for the concert, with assistance from Pennsylvania House of Representatives member William Robinson, D-Oakland.

Interim Chancellor Mark Nordenberg will present 25th anniversary plaques to all the participating musicians.

At intermission during the concert, new members will be inducted into the International Academy of Jazz Hall of Fame in the William Pitt Union. This year's inductees are violinist Stephane Grappelli, saxophonist Illinois Jacquet, and the late pianist-composer and Pittsburgh-native Mary Lou Williams.

In recognition of the silver anniversary of the seminar, the Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co. has just published "The University of Pittsburgh Jazz Seminar Photo Album." Written by Davis, the 145-page book is filled with color and black and white photographs from past seminars interspersed with historical information and anecdotes. The photo album will be available through The Book Center during seminar week and afterward from the Pitt Alumni Association. The cost is $24.95.

The jazz seminar and concert is supported by Pitt's Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Provost, Office of Student and Public Affairs, the Pitt Program Council and the Department of University Relations.

Also supporting the seminar and concert are the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Mellon Bank, PNC Bank and POISE Foundation.

For details on Jazz Seminar workshops and demonstrations dates and times, see University Times calendar.