Join a Jazz-packed season with the ASU Herberger College of Fine Arts

TEMPE, Ariz. --  Jazz music is on the upswing in the Valley of the Sun, and its powerful sounds are taking over the 2006-2007 MainStage concert series.  The ASU Herberger College School of Music presents burgeoning jazz talents, paired with a brilliant lineup of visiting artists under the guidance of Michael Kocour, the newest director of jazz studies.  Jazz aficionados can enjoy music spanning from big band repertoire to works by contemporary composers.  KJZZ is our new media partner for this exciting series, which begins Oct. 24.

This year’s MainStage Jazz concert lineup includes:

• Popular local jazz flutist, Joe Corral, a frequent soloist with Doc Severinsen and the Phoenix Symphony.  Oct. 24, 2006
• Chicago saxophonist Eric Schneider, whose distinguished performing career includes appearances with Count Basie.  Jan. 27, 2007
• Tenor saxophonist and recording artist Eric Alexander, who has performed throughout the United States, Europe, Japan and South America. March 28 & 29, 2007
• Bryon Ruth, ASU faculty member and tenor saxophonist extraordinaire.  April 25, 2007

Kocour is the anchor that keeps all of the artists on course.  In recognition of excellence in teaching, Kocour was awarded the Herberger College of Fine Arts Distinguished Teacher Award for the 2004-2005 academic year.  He previously served on the jazz studies faculty at Northwestern University and was hailed by the Chicago Tribune as “one of the most sophisticated pianists in jazz.”

All MainStage Jazz concerts are held in the Music Building on the ASU Tempe campus. For complete concert descriptions, including ticket information, visit: http://mainstage.asu.edu/jazz.htm or call 480-965-6447.

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.