RSU Jazz Band Releases Fall Performance Schedule

The Rogers State University Jazz Band has announced its concert schedule for the fall semester, including its first outdoor concert to be held in downtown Claremore and a holiday concert in historic Will Rogers Auditorium.

The first concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Gazebo in downtown Claremore.

The concert will feature an eclectic mix of Big Band standards such as “Jersey Bounce” and “The Pink Panther,” along with jazz-rock pieces such as “Spinning Wheel” by Blood, Sweat and Tears. In addition, Nancy Salgado, a new instructor and enrollment counselor at the RSU campus in Pryor, will be featured as a vocalist, singing the standard “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

“I’ve always wanted our group to perform outside; it’s such a natural element for jazz music,” said Joe Cernuto, RSU band director. “October will be a great time to have an outdoor show in this venue.”

The concert will be free to the public with donations accepted. Some chairs will be provided, but audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for the event, Cernuto said.

The second fall concert will be on Tuesday, Dec. 2 in the band’s home venue, the historic Will Rogers Auditorium on the RSU campus in Claremore. The concert program will be announced later this fall, but will feature holiday music and classic jazz, Cernuto said The concert will be held at 7 p.m. in the Will Rogers Auditorium. Admission is free, with donations accepted, benefitting equipment and scholarships for the RSU Jazz Band.

For more information, contact director Cernuto at (918) 343-7723.