Campus Connection

Concert fundraiser honors Sparta jazz legend

The UWL Jazz Studies program will host a Jim Beebe Memorial Scholarship Concert Fundraiser at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, in Annett Recital Hall in the UWL Center for the Arts, 333 N. 16th St. Jim Beebe was a Sparta, Wisconsin, native who began playing trombone in the Sparta High School band and went on to enjoy a long, national career in traditional jazz. He performed with a number of renowned groups such as Bob Scobey’s band, Art Hodes’ Stars of Jazz, The Celebration Road Show and the Dukes of Dixieland. Beebe finished his career with his own band, Jim Beebe’s Chicago Jazz, performing in Chicago for almost 20 years. He was a frequent performer at La Crosse’s Great River Jazz Fest, bringing his band to support the local jazz scene. The concert will feature two of Wisconsin's finest traditional jazz groups, The Seven Rivers Jazz Band and The Pearl Street Banjo Band. Judi K, who was the vocalist in Beebe’s Band, will appear as a special guest with The Seven Rivers Jazz Band, singing several of the songs she recorded with the group. Proceeds of the concert will be used to fund scholarships for incoming music students to attend UWL and participate in its jazz program. The first scholarship funded will go to a music student from Sparta High School. The suggested donation is $10 for adults and $8 for students. For tickets call the Music Department at 608.785.8415 during regular business hours. Tickets will also be available at the door. If you go— Who: UW-La Crosse Jazz Studies program What: Jim Beebe Memorial Scholarship Concert When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16 Where: Annett Recital Hall, Center for the Arts, 333 N. 16th St. Admission: $10 for adults, $8 for students. For tickets call the Music Department at 608.785.8415. Tickets will also be available at the door.