University News

Ellis Marsalis Headlines Artists in Residence Day; BCA Concert at WIU

August 16, 2006

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MACOMB, IL - - The fifth annual Al Sears Jazz Festival, scheduled for Wednesday-Sunday, Sept. 13-17 in Macomb, will feature a variety of jazz stylings by the finest local, regional and internationally-known artists. The complete lineup of activities is available online at www.searsjazzfestival.com.

Appearing in conjunction with the Sears Jazz Festival and kicking off WesternÂ’s Bureau of Cultural Affairs (BCA) 2006-07 season is legendary jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis, who will perform with his trio at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 in the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) Recital Hall.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sept. 15) before the evening concert, Marsalis will headline a group of five guest musicians in the Al Sears Jazz Festival “Artists in Residence Day” on Western’s campus, with clinics, master classes, breakout sessions and rehearsals. Professional guest artists include Chris Collins, director of jazz studies at Wayne State University and a touring professional woodwind player; bassist Jim Ferguson; drummer Jim White, an assistant professor of jazz studies at the University of Northern Colorado and touring professional; and Stefan Karlsson of the jazz studies faculty at the University of North Texas and a member of the internationally-touring Eddie Gomez Trio and Quartet.

The highly respected jazz educator and the father of six famous musical sons – Branford, Wynton, Ellis III, Delfeayo, Miboya and Jason – Ellis Marsalis is regarded by many as the premier modern jazz pianist in New Orleans. He was a clarinet major when he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education from Dillard University (New Orleans), but he began to work his skills as a pianist while in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he regularly appeared on the “Dress Blues” television show and the “Leatherneck Songbook” radio show.

Marsalis has enjoyed a long, successful dual career as a teacher and a player, culminating with his appointment as director of jazz studies at the University of New Orleans. He retired from this position in 2001, but continues as a performing pianist, leading his own group and making recordings.

Marsalis has been a guest on several network television shows, including the “Today” show with Bryant Gumbel; the “Tonight” show with both Johnny Carson and Jay Leno; the Arsenio Hall show with pianist Marcus Roberts; the Charlie Rose show; Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood; ABC’s “Good Morning America” and many local and regional shows. In 1984 Marsalis and New Orleans singer and actress Joanne “Lady BJ” Creighton shared honors at the Ace Awards ceremony for the best single music program on cable television.

The schedule for the Artists in Residence Day at Western follows.


  • Registration, lobby of College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) Recital Hall, 9 a.m.

  • Clinic by Chris Collins, jazz woodwind player, COFAC Recital Hall, 10 a.m.

  • Combo Clinic – Jim White, drums; Jim Ferguson, bass and Stefan Karlsson, piano, COFAC Recital Hall, 11 a.m.

  • Open Rehearsal with WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra and Chris Collins, COFAC Recital Hall, 12 p.m.

  • Breakout Sessions, 1 p.m.
    • Jim White - drums, Sallee Hall, Room 212
    Stefan Karlsson – piano, Browne Hall, Room 207
    Jim Ferguson – bass, Browne Hall, Room 129
    Master Class – Ellis Marsalis, COFAC Recital Hall, 2 p.m.

  • Open Rehearsal with WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra and Chris Collins, COFAC Recital Hall, 6 p.m.

Registration ($20) deadline is Friday, Sept. 8. Contact University Bands at 309/298-1505 or e-mail John Cooper at JB-Cooper@wiu.edu. Artists in Residence Day is co-sponsored by WesternÂ’s College of Fine Arts and Communication, the School of Music, Visiting Lectures Committee and Council on Student Activities Funds as well as supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Admission for the 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 Ellis Marselis jazz piano and trio BCA concert in the COFAC Recital Hall is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors 62 and older and $12 for youth 17 and younger. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 5. Call the Browne Hall Hainline Theatre Box Office from noon-5 p.m. weekdays for tickets, telephone 309/298-2900.



Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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