Ken Peplowski is the Bittle Jazz Artist-in-Residence for JazzFest.
Cleveland native and swing master Ken Peplowski is coming to The University of Akron for JazzFest 2013: Back in the Swing! on March 19-22. Peplowski, a clarinetist and saxophonist often compared with Benny Goodman, will join the UA School of Music's Jazz Program for concerts at Guzzetta Recital Hall and the Stage Door of UA's E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. A performance with the UA Faculty Jazz Ensemble and a big band concert with the UA Student Jazz Ensemble, directed by Professor Jack Schantz, are part of the festival line-up.
"The man is magic," the late Mel Tormé once said of Peplowski. "There have been too few clarinetists to fill the void that Benny Goodman left. Ken Peoplowski is most certainly one of those few."
Leon Redbone, Charlie Bryd, Madonna, Rosemary Clooney, Woody Allen and Peggy Lee are among the musicians with whom Peplowski has collaborated.
Peplowski is the Bittle Jazz Artists-in-Residence for UA JazzFest 2013. Now in its 11th year, the Bittle Jazz Residency Program was established by a gift to The University of Akron School of Music from Silver Lake residents Edward L. and Frances Yates Bittle. As the Bittle Artist, Peplowski will perform, plus share his talents and expertise with UA music students during rehearsals, performances, master classes and one-on-one lessons.
More information about UA JazzFest 2013 is available at the School of Music online, concerts@uakron.edu, or the Thomas Hall Ticket Office at 330-972-7570.
Calendar listings: The University of Akron’s JazzFest 2013 — Back in the Swing!
Tuesday, March 19, 8 p.m.
Student Showcase Concert #1: UA student jazz combos
Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave., Akron
Free. 330-972-8301 or concerts@uakron.edu.
Wednesday, March 20, 8 p.m.
Student Showcase Concert #2: UA student jazz combos and Jazz Lab Band
Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave., Akron
Free. 330-972-8301 or concerts@uakron.edu.
Thursday, March 21, 7:30 p.m. (note that time is different than other JazzFest concerts)
"Back in the Swing": guest clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski and the UA Faculty Jazz Ensemble
Stage Door at Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron
A night of swing music in the intimate jazz club setting of Thomas Hall's Stage Door. Open seating. $12; free for UA students with Zip Card. Beverages and light fare available for purchase. Doors open one hour before showtime. 330-972-7570 or www.uaevents.com.
Friday, March 22, 8 p.m.
Big Band Concert: guest clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski and the UA Student Jazz Ensemble
Stage Door at Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron
The big band in full swing in the intimate jazz club setting of Thomas Hall's Stage Door. Open seating. $12; free for UA students with Zip Card. Beverages and light fare available for purchase. Doors open one hour before showtime. 330-972-7570 or www.uaevents.com.
Media contact: Cyndee Snider, 330-972-5196 or cyndee@uakron.edu.