Jazz at Holmes presents free concerts throughout fall

Sept. 4, 2008 -- Clarinetist Scott Alberici and his quartet will launch Washington University's Jazz at Holmes Series from 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11.

The series, which was launched in 1996, features professional jazz musicians from around St. Louis and abroad performing in Holmes Lounge — a casual, coffeehouse-style setting — most Thursday evenings throughout the fall and spring semesters.

"Over the last decade the audience attending Jazz at Holmes concerts has grown from a small group to a full house on many evenings," says Sue Taylor, instructor in University College, who administers the program with Steve Ehrlich, associate dean of University College, and guitarist William Lenihan, director of jazz performance in the Department of Music in Arts & Sciences.

"The program has helped foster an intense interest in jazz," Taylor adds. "At the same time students appreciate the relaxed, informal atmosphere, which allows them to read or study while listening to the music."

The series will continue Sept. 18 with saxophonist Willie Akins and his quartet, followed Sept. 25 by pianist Carolbeth True and drummer David True, in a program titled "Two Times True."

Saxophonist Paul DeMarinis will be joined by vocalist Debby Lennon Oct. 9, followed by saxophonist Dave Stone and pianist Adam Maness on Oct. 23. On Oct. 30 Lenihan and pianist Ptah Williams will perform music from Miles Davis' classic album "Bitches Brew."

Austrian pianist Elizabeth Harnick and her trio will perform Nov. 6, followed by New York saxophonist Dave Liebman and his quartet on Nov. 13. Rounding out the month will be the FO(U)R Peace Band on Nov. 20.

The fall line-up will conclude Dec. 4 with guitarist Steve Schenkel.

All concerts are free and open to the public. Holmes Lounge is located in Ridgley Hall, on the west side of Brookings Quadrangle, near the intersection of Brookings and Hoyt drives.

For further information, call (314) 862-0874 or email staylor@wustl.edu. To receive email notices about future events, write to tvs2@wustl.edu.

Jazz at Holmes sponsors include: the College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Residential Life, Student Union, University College and Summer School, Congress of the South 40, Office of Student Activities, New Student Orientation, Department of Music and Michael Cannon, executive vice chancellor and general counsel.

JAZZ AT HOLMES FALL SCHEDULE

Sept. 11: Clarinetist Scott Alberici and his quartet

Sept. 18: Saxophonist Willie Akins and his quartet

Sept. 25: "Two Times True" with pianist Carolbeth True and drummer David True

Oct. 9: Saxophonist Paul DeMarinis with vocalist Debby Lennon

Oct. 23: Saxophonist Dave Stone with pianist Adam Maness

Oct. 30: Guitarist William Lenihan and pianist Ptah Williams perform music from Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew."

Nov. 6: Austrian pianist Elizabeth Harnick and her trio

Nov. 13: New York saxophonist Dave Liebman and his quartet

Nov. 20: FO[U]R PEACE BAND

Dec. 4: Guitarist Steve Schenkel with vocalist Ashley Mason