Known as the finest proponent of the jazz tuba in the world and also acclaimed on baritone sax and coronet, Howard Johnson is headlining The University of Akron's JazzFest 2015: Hornspiration, featuring four concerts March 17-20.
Howard Johnson, who grew up nearby in Massillon, is headlining UA's JazzFest in March.
Johnson, who grew up in Massillon, Ohio, scoffs at the so-called division between commercial and avant-garde. He got his first break from Charlie Mingus, was mentored by Gil Evans, has played with Taj Mahal and Paul Simon, conducted the Saturday Night Live band in the late 1970s, recorded with The Band and Levon Helm, and spoke with his friend John Lennon on the night he died.
UA’s JazzFest 2015: Hornspiration opens Tuesday, March 17, with an 8 p.m. concert in Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave., featuring UA student jazz ensembles. This concert is free.
All other JazzFest 2015 concerts include Johnson and are at the Stage Door of E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St., on campus. Tickets are $12 for general admission and free for UA students with Zip Cards. JazzFest concerts at the Stage Door often sell out, so advance purchase of tickets is suggested. Visit UAevents.com or call the Thomas Hall Ticket Office at 330-972-7570.
The concert on March 18 at 7:30 p.m. features the UA Tuba Ensemble and Johnson in an evening of music from Gravity, Johnson's best-known band.
Johnson will perform with the with the UA Faculty Jazz Combo on March 19 at 7:30 p.m. and with the UA Student Big Band on March 20 at 8 p.m.
The Stage Door is an intimate setting with club seating. To complement the concerts, light fare and bar beverages are available for purchase. Entry is through the blue door on Hill Street, beginning one hour before each concert.
Howard Johnson is also the Bittle Jazz Artist-in-Residence for UA JazzFest 2015. Now in its 13th year, the Bittle Jazz Residency Program was established by a gift to The University of Akron School of Music from Silver Lake residents Edward L. and Frances Yates Bittle. As this year’s Bittle Artist, Johnson will perform plus share his talents and expertise with UA music students during rehearsals, performances, master classes, and one-on-one lessons.
JazzFest 2015 is presented by The University of Akron's School of Music and E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Support for the March 20 concert also comes from MetroPCS.
Media contact: Cyndee Snider 330-972-5196 or cyndee@uakron.edu.