UW-Green Bay jazz ensembles to join forces for March 7 concert

Two of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s jazz ensembles will join forces for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 7 in the University Theatre at UW-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Drive.

The show features the UW-Green Bay Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Associate Lecturer Chris Salerno; and the Jazz I ensemble, directed by UW-Green Bay Associate Prof. John Salerno. The Salernos, who are married, will welcome guest vocalist Dino Bilotti for the show.

The Vocal Jazz Ensemble will kick things off with such works as The Beatles’ “In My Life,” arranged for vocal jazz by Steve Zegree; and Thelonious Monk’s “In Walked Bud.” The ensemble will conclude with Chris Salerno’s own arrangement of “Nothing You Can Do.”

Following the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble I will take to the stage to perform songs including “And Another Thing,” arranged by Tom Garling, the trombonist who was the guest artist for this year’s UW-Green Bay Jazz Fest; “Sway” by Chuck Loeb (arranged by John Salerno); and “Spiral” by Kenny Baron. Guest vocalist Bilotti will perform with the group on “Tender Trap” and “Pick Yourself Up,” both of which also are arranged by John Salerno. The Jazz I Ensemble also will perform “Night and Day,” arranged by student musician Michael Fowler.

Tickets for the March 7 concert, UW-Green Bay Music’s 27th of the 2011-12 season, are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Call (920) 465-2400 or visit www.uwgb.edu/tickets. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu/music. The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, is located at 2420 Nicolet Drive. The University Theatre is located in Theatre Hall on campus.

UW-Green Bay Vocal Jazz Ensemble personnel are as follows: Soprano: Cassie Alfheim, Hannah Dobratz, Michaela Hogan, Farin Ludtke; Alto: Emily Jolly, Katie Junak, Leah LaMalfa, Angie Roskos; Tenor: Bobby Buffington, Lane Ludtke; Bass: Tony Pesavento, Kevin Wellens; Rhythm section: Seth Parmer, bass guitar; Ben Hogan, drums/percussion.

UW-Green Bay Jazz Ensemble I personnel are as follows: Saxophone: Sam Stranz, alto 1; Cole Watkins, alto 2; Julio Reyes, tenor 1; Nate Vergin, tenor 2; Kyle Hall, baritone; Trumpet: Kayla Johnson, Greg Koeller; Tanner Vodvarka, David Blihar; Trombone: Patrick Romanek, Michael Fowler, Bill Burroughs, Nick Fisher; Rhythm section: Kyle Sweeny, piano; Michael Fowler, guitar; Seth Parmer, bass; Tony Pesavento, bass; Ben Hogan, drums; Adam Legrave, percussion.

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