SMU jazz concert April 27 to feature alumni combo

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary's University will present a celebratory evening of jazz 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, in Page Theatre, located in the SMU Performance Center. Included in the concert will be the 18-piece SMU Jazz Ensemble and an alumni select jazz combo, featuring the talents of some of SMU’s most outstanding graduates, both under the direction of Dr. John Paulson.

Dr. Paulson is celebrating his 25th anniversary with the SMU Department of Music. As director of the music industry program, Dr. Paulson heads the music business track and developed the unique music technology program. He also founded the ongoing Music Access for All program, dedicated to helping disadvantaged children in the Winona area gain access to music instruments and lessons. He earned his B.M. and Master of Music degrees from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and his Doctor of Music degree from the University of Washington in Seattle.

Performing in the alumni combo will be: Denny McGuire, Chris White, Brad Steine, Scott Gerry, Justin Bell, Brian Zirngible, Ben Young, Lynn Albee, Jennifer Welch, Justin Jenkins and Brandon Mathieus.

Alumni will also solo with the big band, which will perform, “I Hear a Rhapsody, by Fragos, featuring a new arrangement by Dr. Paulson; “Lush Life” by Billy Strayhorn, arranged by Mike Tomaro; “Slam” by Dave Sanborn, arranged by Marcus Miller; “Tickle Toe” by Lester Young, arranged by Dave Wolpe; “Blues in the Closet” by Oscar Pettiford, arranged by Mark Taylor; and “They Still Have a Pad Downtown,” by Dr. Paulson.

Tickets are $6, $4 for students and seniors and may be purchased online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Performance Center box office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. For further information contact Dr. Paulson at (507) 457-1596 or jpaulson@smumn.edu.