ASU's MainStage Jazz Season Kicks off with a 'Taste of Chicago'

TEMPE, Ariz. – Saxophonist Eric Schneider blows in from the Windy City to perform as the first act of the spring 2007 MainStage Jazz season at the ASU Herberger College of Fine Arts. On Jan. 27, the night belongs to "Bird." Charlie Parker with Strings and More! features Schneider performing works from jazz legend Charlie Parker’s classic album, Bird with Strings.

Schneider’s distinguished career includes performances with Count Basie, Earl Hines and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. His participation in the spring MainStage Jazz series contributes not only to the professional exposure School of Music students encounter, but also is a treat for local patrons. Michael Kocour, director of Jazz Studies, has spent the past two years heightening the awareness of ASU’s jazz program within the community. Kocour specifically chose guest artists like Schneider, who either have not previously appeared in the Valley, or who can showcase their versatility.

"In the upcoming April 25th concert, ASU faculty member, popular local artist and saxophonist Bryon Ruth, never has performed an all-Charles Mingus program," Kocour says.

Eric Schneider performs Charlie Parker with Strings and More! Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in Katzin Concert Hall, 40 E. Gammage Parkway, on the ASU Tempe campus. Tickets for the show and all MainStage Jazz series concerts are $7-$18 and available online at http://mainstage.asu.edu/jazz.htm or through the Herberger College box office, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays, 480-965-6447. KJZZ is ASU’s media partner for the 2006-2007 MainStage Jazz series, and Jazz in AZ members can take advantage of special concert discounts by calling the box office.

The School of Music in the Herberger College of Fine Arts at Arizona State University is ranked 19th in the country and eighth among public institutions by U.S. News & World Report. More than 100 music faculty artists and scholars work with approximately 800 music majors each year in research, performance and scholarly activities. It presents approximately 700 concerts and recitals each year. To learn more about the School of Music, visit http://music.asu.edu.