MSU Jazz Ensemble presents Stevie Wonder-themed concert
Morehead State University student musicians will showcase the music of an icon of pop, R&B, and soul.
The MSU Jazz Ensemble Fall Concert will feature the music of Stevie Wonder at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at the Duncan Recital Hall inside Baird Music Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
Ryan McGillicuddy, associate professor of music (double bass) and director of the Jazz Ensemble, said the group, along with faculty guest artists and guest singers. will perform several hits from Wonder's extensive catalog, including "Superstitious," "Higher Ground," "Livin' for the City," and "Don't You Worry' Bout a Thing." The arrangements come courtesy of guest artist Matt Harris, who has composed and arranged for the Buddy Rich Band, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and the Metropole Orchestra, among others.
"I thought it would be a great opportunity for our MSU students to be a part of a world premiere of the arrangements," McGillicuddy said. "In addition, it is community-minded, in that the music will be a very recognizable repertoire, so we are hoping for a more eclectic audience."
Harris' arrangements for Stevie Wonder's music, his appearance at MSU and the concert itself were all made possible thanks to the generosity of the Buckner and Sally S. Hinkle Endowment for the Humanities. This fund was established to support distinguished visiting professors in the liberal arts, including history, politics, music, art, theatre, English, creative writing, philosophy, and religion. The MSU Jazz Ensemble Fall Concert is just one of several campus events featuring guest artists appearing courtesy of the Hinkle Endowment.
"The Buckner and Sally S. Hinkle Endowment for the Humanities plays a key role in connecting the Caudill College of the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences with many other constituents within and beyond Morehead State University," said Dr. Sylvia Henneberg, dean of the Caudill College. "By supporting performances and workshops, as well as academic lectures by renowned visiting professors, the Hinkle series complements and enriches programming and curricula at our university and in the community, facilitates important networking opportunities for our students, staff, and faculty, and lends visibility to the college and University as a whole.
To learn more about the concert and Harris' visit to Morehead State, contact McGillicuddy at r.mcgillicuddy@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2198.
For more information on MSU's music programs, contact mtd@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2473.
