SFJAZZ Collective to kick off WVU Parkersburg’s 2011-12 Distinguished Performance Series CONTACT: HG Young, professor of music, 304-424-8248 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Parkersburg, W.Va. 9/29/11 – See some of today’s finest jazz performers perform live as the SFJAZZ Collective opens the 2011-2012 Distinguished Performance Series at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. This acclaimed ensemble will feature the music of Stevie Wonder on Tuesday, Oct. 18. Later this spring, Imani Winds will perform on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012. Both shows begin at 7 p.m. in the college activities center. SFJAZZ Collective: featuring the music of Stevie Wonder – Tuesday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. Launched in 2004 by SFJAZZ, the West Coast’s largest nonprofit jazz institution, the Collective has become one of the most exciting groups on the jazz scene. Upon the Collective’s debut, The New York Times raved, “A serious jazz band rises in San Francisco.” The band has been praised for its innovative approach to repertoire. The eight-member band includes Miguel Zenon, Mark Turner, Avishai Cohen, Robin Eubanks, Stefon Harris, Edward Simon, Matt Penman and Eric Harland. Each year, the ensemble performs a new list of compositions by a modern jazz master and new pieces by the Collective members. Through this pioneering approach, the Collective embodies SFJAZZ’s commitment to jazz as a living, ever-relevant art form. This program is presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. Imani Winds – Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. More than North America’s premier wind quintet, Imani Winds has established itself as one of the most successful chamber music ensembles in the U.S. Since 1997, the Grammy-nominated group has taken a unique path, carving out a distinct presence in the classical music world with its dynamic playing, culturally poignant programming and inspirational outreach programs. Imani Winds’ extensive touring schedule has brought them to most of the country’s major concert venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Jordan Hall, Disney Hall and Kimmel Center. This tour engagement of Imani Winds is funded through the Mid Atlantic Tours program of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. The Parkersburg residency is also funded in part by the Artsbridge United Arts Fund. Tickets for Distinguished Performance Series shows are $10 for adults and $5 for students. WVU Parkersburg students may purchase special advance tickets for themselves and one guest for $2 each in the college business office. All tickets at the door will be regular price. An additional spring performance will be announced at a later date. For additional information, contact: Katie Wootton WVU Parkersburg Director of Marketing and Communications 304-424-8203 E-mail Recent Releases News Archive