Jazz at Princeton University Presents Diverse and Compelling Spring 2017 Season
Guest artists include Walter Smith III, Steve Lehman’s Sélébéyone, Darmon Meader and Billy Childs premiering a new work commissioned by Jazz at Princeton University
Jazz at Princeton University, helmed by acclaimed saxophonist/composer Rudresh Mahanthappa, presents a diverse and compelling series spring 2017 season, March 5 – May 13, 2017. Highlights include the world premiere of a Princeton-commissioned work by pianist/composer Billy Childs, and appearances by saxophonist Walter Smith III, saxophonist Steve Lehman’s global hip hop project Sélébéyone, and vocalist, arranger and saxophonist Darmon Meader.
“Jazz at Princeton University has a very exciting spring season that embraces this music in its many styles and forms,” says Mahanthappa. “Some of the top jazz artists of our day will be performing and working with out students. From saxophonist Walter Smith III performing with our top small jazz group to esteemed composer and alto saxophonist Steve Lehman’s global hip-hop project Sélébéyone to a newly commissioned work by the amazing pianist Billy Childs, this will truly be a season to remember.”
Spring 2017 Schedule
Sunday, March 5 – Small Group I with special guest saxophonist Walter Smith III
8 p.m. – Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall
Tickets are $15; $5 for students, available at 609-258-9220, or online at tickets.princeton.edu.
The Los Angeles Times simply states the future of Jazz is bright with rising saxophonist Walter Smith III. Although it may appear Smith is a young gun on the scene at age 33, he is widely recognized as an adept performer, accomplished composer, and inspired educator. Small Group I will be performing music from his most recent album Still Casual.
Tuesday, March 28 – Steve Lehman’s Sélébéyone
7:30 p.m. – Taplin Auditorium in Fine Hall
Free and open to the public.
Formed in 2015 by award-winning saxophonist Steve Lehman, HPrizm, Maciek Lasserre, and Bamar Ndoye, Sélébéyone is a collaborative project that draws from Senegalese rap, French spectral music, modern jazz, underground Hip Hop, interactive electronics, and beyond. The band’s first full-length album was called one of the “Top 10 CDs of 2016 by NPR Music, The NY Times Popcast, The Denver Post, The LA Times and The Chicago Reader, among many others.
Wednesday, April 12 – Small Group 1 and Small Group A
7:30 pm – Taplin Auditorium in Fine Hall
Free and open to the public.
Sunday, April 23 - Small Group A
2 p.m. at Princeton Public Library
Free and open to the public.
Come celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month in a special concert of jazz standards from Princeton’s Small Group A.
Thursday, April 27 – Jazz Vocal Collective I and II with special guest Darmon Meader
7:30 pm – Taplin Auditorium in Fine Hall
Free and open to the public.
Recognized in both the jazz vocal and instrumental worlds, Darmon Meader is a highly respected vocalist, arranger and saxophonist. Meader has achieved international recognition as the founder, musical director, chief arranger, composer, producer, saxophonist, and vocalist with New York Voices. As a member of New York Voices, he has released numerous recordings on the GRP, RCA/Victor, Concord and MCGJazz labels.
8 pm – Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall
Tickets are $15; $5 for students, available at 609-258-9220, or online at tickets.princeton.edu.
Creative Large Ensemble with special guest pianist and composer Billy Childs, one of the foremost American composers of his era working in jazz, classical, and rock. CLE will be premiering a new work of Mr. Childs commissioned by Jazz at Princeton University as well as performing his previous work in arrangements by Grammy Award Nominee Darcy James Argue.
Jazz at Princeton University serves to promote this uniquely American music as a contemporary and relevant art form. Our goals are to convey the vast musical and social history of jazz, establish a strong theoretical and stylistic foundation with regard to improvisation and composition, and
emphasize the development of individual expression and creativity. Offerings of this program include academic course work, performing ensembles, master classes, private study, and independent projects.
