WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY’S JAZZ ROOM PRESENTS THE LATIN JAZZ SOUNDS OF HARVIE S AND EYE CONTACT ON FEBRUARY 9
-- 25th Anniversary of Jazz Room Series Continues

The Jazz Room at William Paterson University will continue to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a performance by bassist Harvie S and his Latin jazz ensemble Eye Contact on Sunday, February 9 at 4 p.m. in the Shea Center for Performing Arts on the University campus in Wayne.

Admission prices are $12 standard and $9 senior citizens. Tickets include admission to "Sittin In," an informal discussion with the afternoon’s performers at 3 p.m. in Shea 101. The Jazz Room concert opens with a half-hour set by a student jazz ensemble.

Launched in 1978, the Jazz Room Series is one of the largest and most prestigious college-sponsored jazz events in the country. Performers include renowned professionals who encompass the complete spectrum of jazz, from practitioners of traditional jazz to avant-garde to bebop to swing to Afro-Latin jazz – as well as William Paterson’s own student ensembles. The series has won numerous grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for its innovative programming.

For decades, bassist Harvie S, formerly known as Harvie Swartz, has been a bandleader, composer and sideman for legendary jazz artists. He now turns his talents in a slightly different direction. Following a search for individuality and creativity, he turned to Afro-Cuban music. Harvie S went to jam sessions, studied and eventually played in many salsa, Cuban and Latin jazz groups. A visit to Cuba inspired him to write music in authentic Latin styles. Through rehearsals for his new music, his group Eye Contact was formed.

The group has toured Europe, played the JVC Jazz Festival, the Blue Note, Birdland, and other festivals and concerts. The ensemble’s first CD, "Havana Manana," was released in 1999 to positive reviews. "New Beginning" was released last year to critical acclaim.

Previously, Harvie S toured with Sheila Jordan as a jazz duo for 14 years. Together they made 10 CDs.
For information, call the Shea Center for Performing Arts Box Office at 973.720.2371.

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1/24/03
For Further Information, contact:

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