Bison Jazz Orchestra to Host “Autumn Leaves” Night of Jazz Oct. 29

October 24, 2016

OBU’s Bison Jazz Orchestra will once again host Night of Jazz on OBU's campus in Shawnee. Night of Jazz will take place Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Mabee Suite, located on the upper floor of the Noble complex. The event will follow Freshman Follies and is free and open to the public.

The evening is themed “Autumn Leaves“ and will feature student and faculty performers, as well as guest artists, comprising three 45-minute sets of jazz. The first set begins at 10 p.m. and showcases the student combo with guest artists Jeremy Thomas, on the B3 organ and drum set, and Lee Rucker on trumpet. Following the combo, the OBU Bison Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Justin Pierce, will play the second hour. The final hour of the event will be dedicated to an open jam session.

"Jazz is an art form learned through listening to recordings and apprenticeship relationships with older musicians," said Pierce. "This event allows our students to perform their prepared material, improvise and jam with experienced musicians."

The event is come-and-go, though listeners are encouraged to stay for all performances. The evening will include jazz music from various eras, including the Buddy Rich classic “Big Swing Face,” Pat Metheny’s “Have You Heard,” and the gospel-tinged organ-feature “Just Give Thanks and Praise.” Refreshments will be served by Kappa Kappa Psi, the band service fraternity.