SCHOOL OF MUSIC
JAZZFEST AT THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Tuesday – Friday, March 15-18
With Bittle artists Alexis Cole and Nestor Torres
Singer Alexis Cole and flutist Nestor Torres return to Akron for JazzFest 2016, a week-long celebration of jazz at The University of Akron School of Music.
Called “one of the great voices of today” (Jonathan Schwartz), Alexis Cole has been compared to classic jazz singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Anita O'Day. She has performed with the Boston Pops and New York Philharmonic on stage at venues from Avery Fisher Hall to the Kennedy Center and is the vocalist for the West Point Band Jazz Knights.
Grammy Award-winning flutist Nestor Torres has performed with Gloria Estefan, Kenny Loggins, Herbie Hancock and Arturo Sandoval as well as performances with the Cleveland, Singapore and New World Symphony Orchestras. In addition to his achievements in the studio and on the stage, Torres is also the recipient of many awards, including two honorary doctorate degrees for his commitment to youth, education and cultural exchanges.
Cole and Torres are the Bittle Jazz Artists-in-Residence for UA JazzFest 2016. Now in its 14th year, the Bittle Jazz Residency Program was established by a gift to The University of Akron School of Music from Edward L. and Frances Yates Bittle.
SCHEDULE
Alexis Cole with Student Jazz Combos and Lab Band
Tuesday, March 15, 7:30 p.m.
Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave.
Free. 330-972-8301 or concerts@uakron.edu.
Alexis Cole and Nestor Torres with Faculty Jazz Combo
Wednesday, March 16, 7:30 p.m.
Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St.
$12 general, $6 non-UA students, free for UA students with ZipCard. Open seating. Beverages and light fare available for purchase. Doors open one hour before showtime. 330-253-2488, www.uaevents.com.
Alexis Cole and Nestor Torres with Student Jazz Ensemble
Thursday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.
Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St.
$12 general, $6 non-UA students, free for UA students with ZipCard. Open seating. Beverages and light fare available for purchase. Doors open one hour before showtime. 330-253-2488, www.uaevents.com.
JazzFest Bittle Legacy Concert, with guest flutist Nestor Torres
Friday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.
Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St.
Torres and graduates of UA’s Jazz Studies program join for a special concert honoring the legacy of the late Edward Bittle. Kulas Concert Series: $12 general, $6 non-UA students, free for UA students with ZipCard. Open seating. Beverages and light fare available for purchase. Doors open one hour before showtime. 330-253-2488, www.uaevents.com.
Special after party and jam session at Blu Jazz+ in downtown Akron following the Stage Door concert. Click here for details!