Jazz Festival features saxophonist Miguel Zenón

Miguel Zenon will perform on Feb. 25 with the UIC Jazz Ensemble.

WHAT:
Jazz composer and saxophonist Miguel Zenón will bring his Latin-influenced style to the University of Illinois at Chicago to highlight the third annual UIC High School Jazz Festival.

Zenón, called a “genius at play” by Downbeat Magazine, will be the featured artist in an evening performance following a day of competitions and clinics for high school big bands and combos.

WHEN:
Feb. 25
High school competition, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Zenón concert, 7 p.m.

WHERE:
UIC Student Center East
750 S. Halsted St.
Illinois Room

DETAILS:
MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellow Miguel Zenón will perform with UIC’s Jazz Ensemble. The New York Times recently described him as “a soulful and searching alto saxophonist and composer.”

The UIC Jazz Ensemble includes Ernie Adams, percussion; Andy Baker, trombone and direction; Ari Brown, saxophone; Orbert Davis, trumpet; Stewart Miller, bass; Dan Murphy, piano; Zvonimir Tot, guitar; and Cheryl Wilson, vocals.

Throughout the day, high school jazz bands will compete in performances judged by UIC ensemble members and other noted musicians who teach in UIC’s jazz program. The judges will lead clinics and workshops in brass, woodwinds, bass, guitar, drums, vocals and piano.

Tickets to the evening concert are $10 for the general public; $7 for students with a valid ID. For advance tickets, visit https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=de3b673c14a8f91d4cf422d3e0744934, or pay cash at the door. Admission to the student performances is free.