Heukeshoven to teach, compose, perform jazz this weekend

A. Eric Heukeshoven, SMU Music Department, will be one of six regional educators serving as faculty for the 7th annual Dixieland Jazz Workshop sponsored by Winona State University. The workshop promotes a better understanding of traditional “Dixieland” jazz in middle and high school aged students through teaching and performance.

As part of the program, Heukeshoven has been commissioned to compose a new piece of music expressly for this year’s group of students. “Strollin’ Down the Lane With You” is a work inspired by jazz great Thomas “Fats” Waller. The new composition is Heukeshoven’s 4th commission for the annual event. His first — “Woodshed Stomp” — was
premiered at the inaugural workshop in 2005.

Following a day of rehearsals, lecture/performances, and individual instruction, the students will kick-off the 24th annual Dixieland Festival sponsored by the Upper Mississippi Jazz Society on Saturday, July 9, from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the Goodview Pavillion (6th
Street & 44th Avenue). In addition to playing with the workshop students on Saturday morning, Heukeshoven will also perform later in the day on piano and trombone with the Turkey River All-Stars. The group has a 44-year history of playing traditional jazz and is led by Minnesota Music Hall of Famer Les Fields.

The UMJS Festival is free and open to the public and runs from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase
at the event.

For more information, contact Eric Heukeshoven at Ext. 7292 or eheukesh@smumn.edu.