UAFS jazz musicians perform during November's jazz concert.

Students in jazz groups at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will showcase their talents at a concert at 7:30 p.m. April 20 held in downtown Fort Smith as part of the university’s Season of Entertainment 36.

 

The UAFS Jazz Band and Jazz Catz will perform the concert at the ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center in the Fort Smith Convention Center, located at 55 South 7th St. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased through the UAFS Box Office at 479-788-7300.

 

Featuring trumpeter Vince DiMartino as a guest performer, the concert features the Jazz Catz and Jazz Band performing a musical variety from artists including Frank Sinatra, 21 Pilots, Michael Buble, Queen, and Aretha Franklin.

 

A world-class musician, DiMartino has traveled with some of the top college jazz ensembles in America and has been the lead and solo trumpet in the Lionel Hampton Band, the Chuck Mangione Band, the Clark Terry Band, and the Eastman Arranger’s Holiday Orchestra, in addition to numerous other appointments and accolades throughout his musical career.

 

“This will be a high-voltage show, highlighting the powerful sounds of the Jazz Band, the tight vocal harmonies and diversity of the Jazz Catz, and the dazzling trumpet licks of Vince DiMartino,” said Don Bailey, director of the Jazz Catz. “Mr. DiMartino is a world-class trumpet player with a ‘Who’s Who’ list of achievements. Our students are thrilled to have the opportunity to perform with him, and it should prove to be a memorable and educational experience for them.”

 

Dr. Christopher Barrick, head of the Department of Music and director of the Jazz Band, said the concert will be an exciting show.

 

“The UAFS jazz concerts are always special performances, but it becomes even more special when we are joined by a world-renowned guest artist like trumpeter Vince DiMartino,” Barrick said. “I have worked with Mr. DiMartino before, and I was greatly impressed by him as a performer, educator and a wonderful person. He was a joy to work with and we’re excited to have him in Fort Smith working with our students.”

 

Students performing in the concert are:

 

Alma: Jordan Duff, Kyle Scott and Chandler Steele.

 

Booneville: Niki Waters.

 

Cedar Falls, Iowa: Benjamin Baker.

 

Elkins: Eden Gardner and Rebekah Hoodenpyle.

 

Fort Smith: Alyshia Cook, Sawyer Crenshaw, Will Davis, Haley Harwood, Christian Jones, Christopher Jones, Zabdiel Montes and Ethan Womack.

 

Gentry: Justin Hazard and John Lopez.

 

Greenwood: Dakota Archer, Skyler Heffner, Bryce Langley, Alex Marrin, Emily Smith and Crystal Williams.

 

Poteau, Okla.: William Newby.

 

Rogers: Brandi Cappello.

 

Roland, Okla.: Aleyah Youngblood.

 

Van Buren: Michaela Cooper, Kennon Doss, Beth Duquette, James Patrick Martin and Jensen Smith.

 

The concert is part of Season of Entertainment 36, a yearlong lineup of entertainment sponsored by the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith featuring a variety of plays, musicals and symphonic performances. For more information, contact Barrick at 479-788-7547 or christopher.barrick@uafs.edu, or Bailey at 479-788-7554 or don.bailey@uafs.edu.

 

About the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is the premiere regional institution of Western Arkansas, connecting education with careers and serving as a driver of economic development and quality of place in the greater Fort Smith region. Through a small campus, dedicated professors, and the university’s unique bond with its community, students at UAFS are able to do more in the areas they are passionate about, both on- and off-campus, in a way that prepares them for post-graduate success. To find out how you can do more at UAFS, visit www.uafs.edu.