Have a free Saturday? The Mercyhurst Jazz ensemble will be gracing the stage of Taylor Little Theatre Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.
Scott Meyer, Ph.D., will direct this concert.
The ensemble will be performing a number of well-known classics that were originally sung by legends such as Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie.
Junior Music Education major Lauren Tucci is excited to play a Vibraphone solo in the piece “Wind Machine.”
She said is looking forward to working with the many talented vocalists in the show.
One of these vocalists is senior Graphic Design major Kimberly Carden, who will sing “Can’t We Be Friends?” by Ella Fitzgerald.
“I have always wanted a chance to sing jazz with a live band, and to get the opportunity to perform among friends is such a rewarding experience” Carden said.
The prep period for this concert was quite short, since the band just had a performance two weeks ago. Auditions for the vocal solos were held on Feb. 11.
Those who are singing in the show have had just about 12 days to get ready for their audience.
Despite the short preparation time the ensemble has had, audience members can look forward to a fantastic and lively show.
The student vocal soloists include Maria Dombrowski, senior contract major, singing “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square”; freshman Music Education major Paul Caram singing “Feeling Good”; senior Music Therapy major Josh Phillips singing “Minnie the Moocher”; and Jillian Johannes, a second-year graduate student in the Intelligence Studies program, singing “Orange Colored Sky.”
“Moten Swing,” “Wind Machine” and “In the Groove” will be performed by the jazz ensemble.
Junior, Intelligence Studies major Bernard Garwig said that his favorite piece on the program is “Wind Machine.”
“My high school jazz ensemble had it as a part of our repertoire for competitions and concerts, so it has that nostalgia element,” he said. “It is a fast and exciting swing piece that isn’t too challenging to play but will impress the crowd.”
“Look for (sophomore Music Education major Ethan Wicker’s) drum solo at the end, as it will be one of the best moments of the night,” Garwig said.
Stop on in to Taylor Little Theatre and listen to the sweet sounds of the jazz ensemble
Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students and youth.