WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY SWINGS INTO SPRING WITH THE JAZZ ROOM

On the eve of its twenty-fifth anniversary, The Jazz Room at William Paterson University announces a swinging spring season. Concert time is 4 p.m. on Sundays in the Shea Center for Performing Arts at William Paterson University in Wayne. A 3 p.m. informal discussion with the afternoon’s performers, titled “Sittin’ In,” in Shea 101 is a special feature of the series.

On February 10, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra holds sway for the season opener. Originally led by drummer Mel Lewis and Thad Jones, the first director of the William Paterson Jazz Program, this stellar group has now established a unique permanent residency at the University. This event is sponsored in part by support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Rising young star Karrin Allyson sings straight from the heart on February 17 with a warm, personal style that draws listeners and holds them close. As evidenced by her recent release, “Ballads – Remembering John Coltrane,” vocalist and pianist Allyson continues to impress the jazz world with her musical prowess.

Accomplished on both acoustic and electric bass, Avery Sharpe has been the bassist of choice for renowned jazz great McCoy Tyner for nearly two decades. The series welcomes him onto the Shea stage February 24 as the leader of his own multi-dimensional ensemble.

Lawrence Killian joins forces with the William Paterson University Latin Jazz Ensemble directed by Chico Mendoza on March 3. The pulsating rhythms of the multi-faceted percussionist Killian have been heard around the globe during an illustrious recording career as a sideman for some of the top artists in jazz, Latin, and commercial genres.

George Coleman fronts the William Paterson University Jazz Ensemble directed by University jazz professor David Demsey on March 10. Coleman, tenor saxophonist jazz veteran, who once played alongside Miles Davis as a member of his jazz quintet, expresses his mainstream/blues styles in this final concert of the season.

Each concert opens with a half-hour set by a student jazz ensemble. Admission prices are $12 standard and $9 senior citizens. For information, call Shea Center for Performing Arts Box Office at 973.720.2371.

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1/08/02
For Further Information, contact:

Mary Beth Zeman, Director, Public Relations 973-720-2966