SMU, WSU jazz groups join forces to help families in need
The Saint Mary's University Jazz Combo I
The WSU Jazz Ensemble
Jazz students from Saint Mary’s and Winona State are combining talents to help Winona-area families in need through “Jazz For Winona — Live United.”
The benefit concert — which will involve both SMU and WSU big bands and combos under the direction of Drs. John Paulson and Rich MacDonald — is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at Signatures Event Center, 22852 County Road 17.
Two WSU combos will kick off the evening followed, by the Winona State University Jazz Ensemble. Their set will include: “Soon” by George Gershwin, arranged by Don Schamber; “La Fiesta” by Chick Corea, arranged by Michael Philip Mossman; “Dizzying” by Ryan Kisor, arranged by Bob Washut; “Yesterdays” by Jerome Kern, arranged by Mark Taylor; “That’s a Good Question,” composed and arranged by Dan Kallman and commissioned for the WSU Jazz Ensemble in spring 2011; and “Hey, That’s My Bike,” composed and arranged by Brad Turner. Featured student soloists include: Ross Nixon on sax; Kelly Mason on trumpet; Jase Ginkel on trombone; and Kelly Blau on guitar.
Saint Mary’s Jazz Combo I will perform jazz classics like Horace Silver’s “The Preacher,” “I'll Take Romance” and the cool bossa “Speak Low” by Kurt Weil. Alto saxophonist Markiese Russell and tenor saxophonist Ben Scott are featured soloists in the combo. The 18-piece Jazz Ensemble follows with some great selections and soloists including “My Romance” with Tyler Ringeisen on flugelhorn; “My Foolish Heart,” featuring Katy Kosiek on alto sax; and several other recognizable standards like “It Had To Be You,” arranged by Frank Mantooth. Closing the Jazz Ensemble set will be Gordon Goodwin’s rocker “Hit The Bricks.”
A cash bar will be available, and a freewill offering will be taken at the door.
All of the funds raised from this benefit will go to the Winona chapter of The United Way and its “Live United” campaign, dedicated to helping individuals and families in need in the Winona area.
