University jazz bands to perform final concert of season today

Tonight, Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Music will present its third and final concert of this year's jazz series, "Hooked on Jazz!"

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Bedell Performance Hall on the River Campus and will feature jazz vocalist Marie

Meunier, along with Southeast's Studio Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab Band. Meunier, a sophomore music major at Southeast, will perform with both bands during the concert, which will feature big-band compositions. Big band traditionally means saxophones, trumpets, trombones and a rhythm section.

"This is always fun, always a great show for both myself and our students," said Dr. Bob Conger, professor of music at Southeast and director of both bands. "We'll be playing a variety of tunes, some that will be familiar to many people. And Marie, our vocalist for the evening, will really add to the performance."

The Studio Jazz Ensemble, Southeast's big-band specialists, will play some of their favorites, including "Hay Burner" from the Count Basie Orchestra, "Reunion at Newport" from the Woody Herman Orchestra and "Blue Moan" from legendary jazz composer Don Sebesky. Meunier will be featured in jazz standards "Nice Work If You Can Get It" and "Almost Like Being in Love," made popular by Frank Sinatra. Featured students include saxophonist Corey Easley, guitarist Dan Boemeke, saxophonist Trevor Smith, trombonist Matt Gates and bass player Kyle Clay.

"I would tell people to come out and see something different. This isn't your everyday, mainstream concert," Gates said. "Every performance has something new, and that's one of the special things about playing and listening to jazz music. It's a little unscripted."

Southeast's Jazz Lab Band is made up of both music and non-music majors, and will play a variety of well-known jazz compositions, including "Theme from Sesame Street" and "Bye Bye Blackbird." Meunier will sing "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "For Once in My Life" with the band.

Tickets are $12, and may be purchased by contacting the River Campus box office at 651-2265, or online at www.rivercampusevents.com.

jsamons@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO