The music department will host Café Jazzbury on Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Radar Student Center.
Café Jazzbury is a new event created by the music department that aims to create a space similar to a jazz club with it having more of a casual, vibrant New Orleans feel to it.
“We’re hoping to have just a sort of New Orleans vibe in the Student Center,” said Professor and Instrumental Coordinator Nathan Miller. “Calling it Café Jazzbury is just a fun play on a few things.”
The event will feature the Asbury Jazz Band and Ron Jones Quartet, which is a professional Jazz ensemble from New York, though the band leader and saxophonist, Ron Jones, lives primarily in Louisville, Ky.
The event originated after Miller connected with Ron Jones over the summer during another concert. After being inspired by his talent and passion, Miller “made it a point” to invite him to come and guest lecture in his class, History of African American music, about the history of the saxophone in jazz.
“Once he was coming, I thought it would be good to get more out of his trip, so I reached out to the Black Students Association, Student Life and the Provost, and between the three, we were able to have enough resources for him to bring his quartet for the concert,” explained Miller.
The Asbury Jazz Band and Quartet will provide live music before and after the concert. The music that both bands will play will showcase the long history of jazz, from its origins up to contemporary tunes.
“This is a chance to have a cultural experience, that is not super common in Wilmore, to be able to transport yourself, in a good way, to a jazz club and hear great music by world-class musicians,” said Miller.
If students are interested in gathering to listen to jazz music or want to indulge in Hiccup drinks and treats provided, they can go to the STUCE at 8 p.m. on Feb. 19.
