Jazz Festival to feature Terry Gibbs

Bring in the bands!

The Marshall University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Ed Bingham, will present the 31st annual MU Jazz Festival Feb. 3-5 in Smith Music Hall. Guest artist and world-renowned musician Terry Gibbs will be featured as a clinician and performer.

World-renowned musician Terry Gibbs will perform at the 31st annual MU Jazz Festival Feb 3-5 in Smith Music Hall. Gibbs has recorded more than 60 albums during his career. Photo courtesy Marshall Artists Series

"Terry Gibbs has held such illustrious positions as music director for the Regis Philbin Show, and has played with some of the greatest names in jazz; Buddy Rich, Mel Torme, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Tito Puente, to name a few," said Bingham, associate professor of music.

"In 1957, Gibbs formed 'The Dream Band' which was named 'the best band in the world' by Downbeat magazine in 1962."

"He also has recorded more than 60 albums since winning the Major Bowes Amateur Hour Contest at the age of 12 by playing 'Flight of the Bumblebee' in 45 seconds," Bingham said.

The opening concert is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and will feature collegiate jazz ensembles from Concord College and Marshall University. The Huntington-based Jazz-Rock Fusion band, Axiom III, will open the event and host a "jam session" at the Calamity Cafe later that evening.

The concert, Feb. 4, will begin with a performance by West Virginia Wesleyan University Jazz Ensemble under the direction of David Milburn Bluetrane, and conclude with the MU Faculty Jazz Combo teaming up with Terry Gibbs for a performance of jazz standards.

High school bands from West Virginia and Ohio will be performing and attending clinics from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 4 and 5.

Feb. 5 brings the conclusion of the Jazz Festival, and features the Community Jazz Ensemble at 7:30 p.m., followed by a concert combining the efforts of Terry Gibbs and the MU Jazz Ensemble at 8:30 p.m.

"The Saturday night Festival Finale with the MU Jazz Ensemble promises to be one of the musical highlights of the year in the Tri-State area," Bingham said.

General admission for evening concerts is $5. Students can get in free with a Marshall ID. Tickets are available at the door.

There will be an informal "jam session" at Calamity Cafe following each performance.