RSU Jazz Ensemble to Present First Spring Concert March 1

The Rogers State University Jazz Ensemble will present its first concert of the spring semester on Monday, March 1.

The concert, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Centennial Center on the RSU campus in Claremore. However, donations will be accepted.

The title of the concert will be “A Century of Jazz” and will celebrate the heritage and development of the one truly American musical art form – jazz, according to Dr. Phillip Payne, RSU director of bands.

Music performed during the concert will range from the blues of W.C. Handy to the fusion riffs of the band, Tower of Power, Payne said.

“We’re looking forward to this concert as a continuation of the outstanding performances from the fall season,” he said. “We hope everyone will come out to support the jazz ensemble as well as enjoy some great music.”

The concert will feature W.C. Handy’s blues hit “St. Louis Blues,” the big band standard “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” the beautiful ballad, “I Remember Clifford,” and Tower of Power’s hit “What is Hip?” In addition, selections by Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, Luis Prima and John Coltrane will be presented.

For more information, contact Dr. Payne at (918) 343-7723 or [email protected].