Lecture and Performance Series

Monday, July 14
“Playing the History of Jazz” – Through performance and demonstration, the Tillis-Holmes Duo (Frederick Tillis, saxophone; Jeffrey Holmes, piano) will be tracing the history of jazz from its New Orleans origins to the modern day.

 
Tuesday, July 15
“Keeping Up With The Changes” – Vocalist Catherine Jensen-Hole and her Jazz In July Trio (Ray Gallon, piano; Mark Holovnia, drums; Genevieve Rose, bass) with guest vocalist Sheila Jordan, demonstrate to vocalist and instrumentalists alike, various approaches to bringing new life to the standards.

 
Wednesday, July 16
“Jazz In July’s Tribute to Max Roach” – A Jazz In July percussion ensemble led by Winard Harper, plus music and reflections of Max Roach’s legacy by members of the Billy Taylor Trio (Billy Taylor, piano; Chip Jackson, bass; Winard Harper, drums.)

 
Thursday, July 17 (SOM 133)
“The Evolution of the Groove” – Direct from his presentation at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Jazz In July
Director Mark Baszak will reveal more results of interviews conducted with jazz musicians (Russell Gunn, Dana Leong, Wallace Roney) and hip-hop musicians (Napoleon Maddox, Easy Mo Bee.)

July 14 – 17, 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Bowker Auditorium
$10 per lecture, $50 for all eight

Lecture and Performance Series

Monday, July 7
“Jazz in July Showcase: Personal Approaches To Improvisation” – It’s an hour plus 15 minute jazz festival Jazz In July style featuring performances by: Geri Allen, piano; John Blake, violin; Gregory Caputo, drums; Bruce Diehl, saxophone; Bob Ferrier, guitar; Catherine Jenson-Hole, vocals; Jeff Holmes, trumpet/piano; Dana Leong, trombone/cello; Avery Sharpe, bass; Ralph Whittle, piano; Steve Johns, drums; Sheila Jordan, vocals; Genevieve Rose, bass; Billy Taylor, piano; and Frederick Tillis, saxophone.

 
Tuesday, July 8
“The Epic Ebony Journey Continues” – Based on the title of their duo recording of the same name, violinist John Blake and bassist Avery Sharpe (both former members of McCoy Tyner’s Ensemble) are all about the strings.

 
Wednesday, July 9
“Flavors of New Jazz” – Through the conversation and some digitally twisted tastes of jazz, rock, and hip-hop, prepare for a feast of crunchy grooves presented by trombonist and cellist Dana Leong, with special guest: Geri Allen, piano.

 
Thursday, July 10 (SOM 133)
“The Best of CBS Sunday Morning Jazz”Billy Taylor’s acclaimed interviews with various jazz legends. Dr. Taylor will also be providing live commentary!

July 7 – July 10, 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Bowker Auditorium
$10 per lecture, $50 for all eight

Jamsations!

One of the pillars of Jazz in July’s cirriculum is each week’s final concert featuring participants who attend from around the world. Parents, family members, alumni, and other friends of Jazz in July return each summer to groove to the musicianship of our latest graduating class and tomorrow’s top jazz talent.

July 11, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bowker Auditorium
Free Admission

The Con Alma Trio Ft. the 5 College All Stars, and The Geri Allen Trio

The Con Alma Trio Featuring The Five College All Stars (Jeff Holmes, piano; Genevieve Rose, bass; Gregory Caputo, drums; with Frederick Tillis, saxophone; Bob Ferrier, guitar; and Bruce Diehl, saxophon), and The Geri Allen Trio (Geri Allen, piano; Avery Sharpe, bass; Steve Johns drums; with Yamaha-sponsored trombonist and cellist Dana Leong).

July 10, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Bowker Auditorium
$20 General Public (a $5 discount is available if you purchase tickets to both shows at the same time), $10 Students and Seniors Tickets are available in advance from the FAC Box Office, 545-2511 or 1-800-999-UMAS, and at the door.

Club Jazz in July

The amazing sounds of jazz vocalists and instrumentalists filling the campus air with the flair of improvisation. Cash bar and complimentary table snacks.

July 9, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Marriott Center/ 11th Floor Campus Center
$5 Cover Charge

Salsa Dance Party

Come dance with the best of salsa in the Pioneer Valley as we host our First NWT Salsa Party Fundraiser- proceeds to benefit New WORLD Theater’s community-centered programs, including
Project 2050, the Community Spirit Showcase, and more.

Come to the early for SALSA LESSONS 6 PM – 7 PM with Elizabeth Fernandes-O’Brien
DANCE PARTY 7:30 PM – 10 PM with LIVE MUSIC by Jay Borges y Kultura Borikua, with special guest percussionist Angel Rodriguez

Dance Party Admission: Adults $15; $12 for Youth ( 6 years and older); Children 5 years and under free. Dance Party & Lesson Package: $30 Individual, $45 Couple

Ticket price includes food, generously provided by Salsarengue Restaurant. Cash bar available.
For tickets, call the Fine Arts Center Box Office at 413-545-2511.

July 11
Fine Arts Center Lobby
Dance Party Admission: Adults $15; $12 for Youth ( 6 years and older); Children 5 years and under free. Dance Party & Lesson Package: $30 Individual, $45 Couple