Steel pannist Victor Provost and a special tribute to the late Roland Paolucci will highlight our JazzFest 2018, Tuesday through Friday, March 13-17, at Guzzetta Hall and E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading voices on the steel pan, Provost has meticulously developed a reputation as a “dazzling” soloist, crafting an impressive improvisational voice and style. He is the 2018 Bittle Jazz Artist-in-Residence, made possible by the Bittle Jazz Residency, generously supported by Frances Yates Bittle.
On Friday, March 16, JazzFest will feature the world premiere of “Blue is More than a Color,” a work by Dave Morgan that highlights the history of the creative jazz scene in Akron, and features a commissioned work to honor Paolucci, founder of the Jazz Studies Program here at The University of Akron. Paolucci passed away on Sept. 19, 2016.
For tickets, call 330-253-2488 or visit UA Events online.
Here’s the schedule:
Tuesday, March 13, 7:30 p.m.
Victor Provost, Lab Band and Combos
Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave.
Free. 330-972-8301, concerts@uakron.edu
Wednesday, March 14, 7:30 p.m.
Victor Provost and Faculty Jazz Combo
Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
$12, $6, free for UA students with Zip Cards. 330-253-2488, UA Events.
Thursday, March 15, 7:30 p.m.
Victor Provost and Student Jazz Ensemble
Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
$12, $6, free for UA students with Zip Card. 330-253-2488, UA Events.
Friday, March 16, 7:30 p.m.
“Blue Is More Than a Color” by Dave Morgan
Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
Experience the history of the creative jazz scene in Akron. Featuring Chris Anderson, Sam Blakeslee, Theron Brown, Chris Coles and Jack Schantz. With guest pannist Victor Provost. $12, $6, free for UA students with Zip Cards. Made possible by numerous donations, including the Bittle Jazz Residency, the John P. Murphy Foundation, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation through its Akron Arts Challenge Program. 330-253-2488, UA Events.
Media contact: Patricia LaNasa, 330-972-8301 or planasa@uakron.edu.
Victor Provost
Roland Paolucci