HU Celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month

Hampton, VA -In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, Hampton University’s Department of Music will be celebrating its annual Week of Jazz from April 9-13 with a variety of musical events. Nightly performances will be held in HU’s acoustically renowned Ogden Hall at 8 p.m. All performances are free and open to the public. The performances are as follows:

Monday, April 9 at 8 p.m. – Rick DellaRatta and special guests in the Jazz for Peace Concert Series, Ogden Hall. Recently listed as one of the top 500 jazz vocalists of all time, DellaRatta founded the Jazz for Peace educational concert series so that today’s children will gain exposure, understanding and acknowledgement of “America’s greatest art form.”

Tuesday, April 10 at 8 p.m. – HU Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Ogden Hall

Wednesday, April 11 at 8 p.m. – Dave Adams and the Young Razzcals Jazz Project with special guests, Ogden Hall. The Young Razzcals Jazz Project mentors young musicians from diverse backgrounds to reach their higher musical potential. Adams is the founder and director of The Young Razzcals and currently serves as the jazz band director at An Achievable Dream Academy Middle School in Newport News, Va.

Thursday, April 12 at 8 p.m. – HU Jazz Ensemble, Ogden Hall

Friday, April 13 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – High School Jazz Band Festival, Ogden Hall. Local middle school and high school jazz bands will perform and be judged in preparation for state and regional competitions.

Celebrate and enjoy the rhythmic music of talented high school, college and professional musicians during HU’s Week of Jazz. For more information, please contact Jerry Bracey, assistant professor of music and director of the HU Jazz Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra, at (757) 728-6604.

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For more information contact Alison L. Phillps @ (757)727-5754 or email alison.phillips@hamptonu.edu.