Next 6:30 Thursdays features ‘Hodges to Ornette’

GREEN BAY – The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay music program presents its first 6:30 Thursdays concert of the spring semester on Feb. 18 with the program “Hodges to Ornette” featuring the work of saxophonist Jeff Benedict.

The setting for the lecture and performance will be at Fort Howard Hall, Weidner Center for the Performing Arts, on the UW-Green Bay campus, 2420 Nicolet Drive. Benedict will present a lecture and a performance of music by the most influential saxophonists, from the beginning of Jazz through the 1970s. Included will be music of Sidney Bechet (Early Jazz), Johnny Hodges (Swing), Charlie Parker (Bop), Paul Desmond (Cool), Cannonball Addreley (Hard Bop), John Coltrane (Sheets of Sound) and Ornette Coleman (Free Jazz).
Jeff Benedict is Professor Emeritus of Music at Cal State Los Angeles. There he continues to teach saxophone and courses in jazz studies. He has been playing professionally since 1972 and is highly regarded both as a jazz and classical saxophone performer and teacher.

Benedict has recorded two jazz albums, Castle Creek Shuffle and Standard Fare, and was a sideman on a recent release by the critically acclaimed Hawk-Richard Jazz Orchestra, The Hawk’s Out. He is an accomplished classical musician as well, having performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, and the Aspen Festival Orchestra, just to name a few. Benedict has also won four DeeBee awards from the Downbeat Magazine for Best Instrumental Jazz Soloist, Best Original Composition and Best Classical Chamber Music Group.

The 6:30 Thursdays concert series is designed to provide an innovative musical experience to connect the campus and community through music in meaningful ways.

The 2015-16 series features a wide array of musical styles and guest artists, including jazz, classical, contemporary, and third stream music events. All 6:30 Thursdays are free and open to the public. Donations are welcome. Following Benedict’s performance, remaining 2016 concerts are:

• February 25 — “Miniatures Consortium” UWGB Faculty and Friends
• March 31— “Stories For Our Time” Trumpeter Thomas Muehlenbeck-Pfotenhauer and Pianist Tracy Lipke-Perry
• April 21 — “Alt-Nostalgia” Gypsy Trip

The 1923 Fund is the generous sponsor of the 2015-16 season of 6:30 Thursdays. Contact Linda Parins or 920-465-2944 for more information.

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