2023 University of Akron Jazz Fest - Bittle Jazz Artist in Residence
I am honored to be one of the 2023 University of Akron Bittle Jazz Artists in Residence alongside trumpeter Sean Jones! We will be doing several clinics and masterclasses with the students, as well as numerous performances around Akron from April 3-8! It is a huge honor to come back to my alma mater (MM ‘13) for this special event, and even more so alongside Sean who has been a huge inspiration to my over the years since my time at Youngstown State. It is amazing see some of my closest friends Chris Coles and Theron Brown lead the University of Akron Jazz Studies Department into the future as the new co-directors and Professors of Practice. I owe so much to Sean, Chris, and Theron for helping define my musical journey and I’m sure it will be a beautiful musical reunion!
Here is the schedule for the 2023 UA Jazz Fest:
Tuesday April 4
Edgar’s Restaurant w/ the University of Akron Jazz Studies Faculty featuring Sean Jones & Sam Blakeslee
6:30pm, $20 admission
Wednesday April 5
Blu Jazz w/ the University of Akron Jazz Studies Faculty & Student Jazz Ensemble featuring Sean Jones & Sam Blakeslee
8pm, $10 general admission, free w/ student ID
Thursday April 6
Open Forum with Sean Jones, Sam Blakeslee, Chris Coles, and Theron Brown
Guzzetta Recital Hall, Guzzetta hall
Friday April 7
EJ Thomas Hall
Synthesis: Featuring the UA Student Jazz Ensemble, UA Wind Symphony, Sean Jones & Sam Blakeslee, & Flowers For Rubber City PREMIERE!
7:30pm $12 admission free w/ student ID
More information about the events can be found on my EVENTS PAGE
Flowers For Rubber City PREMIERE!
For the final culminating night of University of Akron Jazz Fest 2023, we will be premiering a new 7-movement suite for wind ensemble/jazz orchestra of mine called "Flowers For Rubber City," which was commissioned by the University of Akron Jazz Studies Department.
Each movement is dedicated to people that made indelible marks on the culture of Akron, both at UA and the city itself. All of these individuals lifted up the upcoming generations over the years and it was an extreme honor to bring this music to life in dedication to them. It focuses on shining on light on the contributions of these individuals, as well as those responsible for taking the mission of UA further in the addition of Chris Coles and Theron Brown to the University of Akron this academic year.
Here are the movements and who they are dedicated to:
FLOWERS FOR RUBBER CITY
Composed by Sam Blakeslee
featuring:
University of Akron Jazz Ensemble
Chris Coles, Theron Brown - directors, guest soloists
Sam Blakeslee, Sean Jones - guest soloists
The Pugilist
dedicated to Waymon "Punchy" Atkinson
Parables of Truth
dedicated to Jack Schantz
Professor Emeritus - University of Akron
Luz Das Estrelas
dedicated to Roland Paolucci
Founder of UA Jazz Studies & Professor Emeritus - University of Akron
Frequency Fluctuations
dedicated to Jim Noel
Mr. Magnetic
dedicated to Theron Brown
Heart Cave
dedicated to Chris Coles
Bittle's Riddle
dedicated to Ed Bittle
Ed Bittle generously supported the UA Jazz Studies Program and Jazz Fest over the years, making possible the Bittle Jazz Artist In Residency each year for UA Jazz Fest
Thank you to Chris, Theron, and the University of Akron for helping bring this music to life, and it is an honor to write this music for my alma mater!
Hope to see you around Akron for Jazz Week!
