EIU Media Relations

EIU Jazz Ensemble to Perform its Final Concert of the Semester

The Eastern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble will present a wide variety of jazz in its April 29 concert, which will feature many excellent student soloists, as well as guest student vocalist Sean Walker.

The concert is to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Doudna Fine Arts Center's Theatre.

Among the selections are fresh arrangements of well-known standards such as "All of Me" and "Body and Soul," a very contemporary piece entitled "Big Sky," and a beautiful arrangement of "A Child Is Born" by EIU's own Paul Johnston.

The EIU Jazz Ensemble is directed by Sam Fagaly. The group has received numerous awards, including Outstanding Ensemble and Solo Performance citations at the Notre Dame and Elmhurst College jazz festivals, as well as Downbeat magazine's prestigious "DB" award.

The band released its first CD, "Eastern Time Zone," in 1994. Its latest recording, "In The Pocket," is currently available. The group has been featured at many conferences and festivals, including the Illinois Music Educators Association conference and the International Association for Jazz Educators convention.

Each year, the EIU Jazz Ensemble performs with special guest artists, which have included legendary figures such as Mel Torme, Dizzy Gillespie, Diane Schuur and Joe Williams.

This program is presented by the EIU music department in cooperation with the Doudna Fine Arts Center; both are divisions of EIU's College of Arts and Humanities. The Doudna is located one block west of Ninth Street at Garfield Avenue in Charleston.

Tickets are $5 for the general public and $3 for seniors, EIU employees and students. For tickets and information, or to arrange accommodations for persons with special needs, contact Doudna Fine Arts Patron Services (217-581-3110 or doudnatix@eiu.edu) or visit the Doudna Fine Arts Center Box Office.

For more information, please see http://www.eiu.edu/doudna.