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Jazz Combos Concert & Jam Session

ArtsFest Signature Event

What: ArtsFest Opening Event – Jazz Combos Concert & Jam Session
When: Thursday, April 23 | 6:30 p.m. concert; 7:30 p.m. jam session
Where: e-Café, Student Union, UW–La Crosse
Admission: Free and open to the public

ArtsFest Weekend at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse will kick off on Thursday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. with an evening of live jazz, featuring student ensembles and a public jam session in the Entertainment Café (e-Café) of the Student Union. The event is free and open to the public.

The opening event will showcase three UW–La Crosse jazz combos, highlighting the program’s continued growth under first-year Jazz Studies Director Jon Ailabouni. Due to increased student participation this year, the program has expanded to include three distinct jazz combos, each offering a unique repertoire and stylistic focus.

The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a public jam session at 7:30 p.m., inviting community members and musicians of all levels to bring their instruments and join in.

The UW–La Crosse Blue Note Jazz Combo, under the direction of faculty coach Dan Driesen, will perform Horace Silver’s “Song for My Father” and Nat Adderley’s “Work Song,” two cornerstone works of the hard bop tradition that highlight groove-driven improvisation and ensemble interplay.

The UW–La Crosse Jazz Messengers, coached by Jon Ailabouni, will present a diverse set including “My Favorite Things” by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Mary Lou Williams’ “Baby Man,” Hoagy Carmichael’s “Lazy River,” and Charles Mingus’ “Boogie Stop Shuffle,” showcasing a range of jazz styles from reimagined standards to rhythmically complex modern works.

Also under Ailabouni’s direction, the UW–La Crosse Jazz Collective will perform a contemporary and genre-blending program featuring Pat Metheny’s “Bright Size Life,” Larry Mizell’s “Reggins,” Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” in an arrangement by Kamasi Washington, and Yussef Dayes’ “Black Classical Music,” reflecting the evolving landscape of jazz and its intersections with global and classical influences.

The evening will conclude with a reception, offering attendees an opportunity to connect with performers, faculty, and fellow arts supporters.

This dynamic opening event sets the tone for a full weekend of performances and exhibitions celebrating the creativity and talent of UW–La Crosse students and faculty.

 

When

Past occurrences (1)

  • 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23

Where

Entertainment Café, 0110 Student Union

UWL campus map for building location and nearby parking lots.

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Student Union

If you go

  • Free, no registration needed

Contact

For questions about this event or to request disability accommodations , contact David Bashaw at 608.785.8409 or dbashaw@uwlax.edu.

Parking

Payment may be required. No permit?
Use Passport Parking.

Additional parking info
Website for Parking | Email for Parking | Call for Parking

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