STEPHENVILLE, Texas — The Tarleton State University Latin Jazz Ensemble hits the stage of the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 29, for its spring concert.
The ensemble will present a program showcasing rhythms and melodies of Cuba and Cuban-influenced jazz.
Joining them will be the Tarleton Jazz Combo 1, performing an opening set of small group jazz, beginning with Kenny Garrett’s “Wayne’s Thang,” and followed by the Miles Davis/Victor Feldman composition, “Seven Steps to Heaven,” “Evidence,” by Thelonious Monk,” and Jimmy Heath’s “Gingerbread Boy.”
The Latin band will lead off their set with “Ran Kan Kan” by Tito Puente followed by Abelardo Valdés’ “Almendra,” “Mambo Inn” by Mario Bauza, and Professor Connor Kent-arranged “Passion Dance” by McCoy Tyner.
The Latin Jazz Ensemble, directed by Kent, includes William Cazares on flute and alto saxophone; Devon Armstrong on tenor saxophone; Acacia Johnson on trombone; Jackson Griffith on bass; Brody Custer on drums; and Abbye Nash on percussion.
The Tarleton Jazz Combo 1, also directed by Kent, features alto saxophonist Nicholas Dorazil, Mattias Piatt on tenor saxophone; Alan Gutierrez on trombone; Jackson Griffith on bass; and drummer Brody Custer.
Admission is $5 or free with a Tarleton ID.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.