A piano trio. A “groove-oriented version” of the World Saxophone Quartet. A Latin Dance Party.
Those and more will be part of “Jazz @ Union,” the Union College Jazz Festival Friday through Sunday.
Tim Olsen, assistant professor of music, has organized the event.
The festival opens Friday with a trio led by pianist Lee Shaw, known as the area's “first lady of jazz.” Also featured will be Dead Cat Bounce, a Boston-based group led by Matt Steckler, son of Charles Steckler, professor of theater. Steckler, whose group Olsen describes as “a groove-oriented version of the World Saxophone Quartet,” will give a workshop on Saturday morning. Latin group Sonido Isleño performs on Saturday night. Olsen's 11-member ensemble closes the festival on Sunday night.
Members of the music faculty have rotated organizational duties for the winter term music series. When it was his turn this year, Olsen decided to assemble something he hasn't seen in his eight years at the College: a one-weekend jazz festival.
“I decided to put it all in one cluster and pray there's no snow,” Olsen said.
The forecast looks good.
Here is the lineup:
Friday, Jan. 25
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Chet's, Reamer Campus Center
Lee Shaw Trio with bassist Rich Syracuse and drummer Jeff Siegel
8 p.m.
Nott Memorial
Dead Cat Bounce with Matt Steckler, called a “groove-oriented version of the World Saxophone Quartet (free with Union ID, $5 general admission)
Followed by a post-concert jam with members of the Union College Jazz Ensemble
Saturday, Jan. 26,
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Arts 215
Jazz Workshop with Matt Steckler
8 p.m.
Old Chapel
Latin Dance Party with Sonido
Isleño (free with Union ID, $5
general admission)
Sunday, Jan. 27
7 p.m.
Yulman Theater
Tim Olsen Band and James Chirillo Quartet (free with Union ID, $5 general admission)