Over 850 area high school, middle school, and junior college jazz students will come to Friends University to celebrate the 22nd annual Jazz Festival and perfect their skills with the musical masters at Friends University.
The festival runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 20, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 21 in the Riney Fine Arts Center. Students get to work with renowned jazz guest artists to improve their musical skills. All daytime activities are free and open to the public.
Two evenings of concerts will cap off the festival, with performances by the Dena DeRose Trio at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20-21 in the Riney Fine Arts Center’s Sebits Auditorium. Matt Wilson, who is known and loved by many in the Wichita area, is the drummer for this trio. Warming up for the trio on Feb. 20, will be the award winning Friends University Jazz Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of Craig Curry. On Feb. 21, the warm-up group will be the Friends University Jazz Ensemble I, under the direction of Lisa Hittle.
Prices for the headliner concerts are $9 for adults, $6 for seniors and $6 for students. All tickets can be purchased online at friends.edu/finearts or by calling the Fine Arts Box Office at 316-295-5677.
For more information on this event or other Fine Arts events, please contact the Fine Arts Box Office at 316-295-5677 or finearts@friends.edu.