Two world-class performers are coming to The University of Akron campus for Jazzfest 2017. The School of Music’s annual celebration of all things jazz begins on Tuesday, March 21, and continues through Friday, March 24.
For its 15th year, Jazzfest will feature nationally acclaimed singer and songwriter Steve Tyrell, and trombone soloist and Grammy-nominated arranger John Fedchock. The Bittle Jazz Residency sponsors Jazzfest.
Grammy winner Tyrell has been chosen as the Bittle Artist Jazz Vocalist. In his nearly five decades in the music business, Tyrell has achieved success as a singer, songwriter, producer, music supervisor, and most recently, as a radio host. His breakthrough performances in “Father of the Bride” and “Father of the Bride II” helped Tyrell reinvent classic pop standards for a modern-day audience.
Fedchock, who is the Bittle Jazz Artist-in-Residence this year, will be featured in a series of performances with students and faculty during JazzFest. Since his emergence on the scene in 1980, Fedchock has established himself as a world-class trombone soloist and bandleader. He performs and teaches across the country. His performances at UA are being made possible, in part, through an educational grant from XO Professional Brass.
Here’s the schedule:
Tuesday, March 21, 7:30 p.m.
John Fedchock will perform with the Student Jazz Combos and Jazz Lab Band in Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave. This concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call 330-972-8301 or email concerts@uakron.edu.
Wednesday, March 22, 7:30 p.m.
John Fedchock and the Faculty Jazz Combo will be in concert at the Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $6 for non-UA students and free for UA students with Zip Cards.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 330-253-2488, visit UA Events online, or come in person to the Thomas Hall or Akron Civic Theatre ticket offices Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Thursday, March 23, 7:30 p.m.
John Fedchock joins the Student Jazz Ensemble for a performance at the Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $6 for non-UA students and free for UA students with Zip Cards.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 330-253-2488, visit UA Events online, or come in person to the Thomas Hall or Akron Civic Theatre ticket offices Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Friday, March 24, 7:30 p.m.
The 15th annual JazzFest finale performance will feature Steve Tyrell at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
Tickets are $15 with the code UARTS for general admission and non-UA students, and free for UA students with Zip Cards. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 330-253-2488, visit UA Events online, or come in person to the Thomas Hall or Akron Civic Theatre ticket offices Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Steve Tyrell
John Fedchock