Wichita, Kan. – Friends University will present its homecoming concert, Concert Jazz Band and Jazz Vocal Ensemble, Friday evening, Oct. 14. The performance will feature Kansas City-basedgroup, Stranded in the City.
Performing an eclectic mix of original and cover music, Stranded in the City draws influences from the Chicano, funk, rock and soul legends. Their jazz “takes your body and mind on a musical journey, while your soul stays Stranded in the City.” Friends jazz alumni, Andre Reyes Jr. is the keyboardist and bandleader for the visiting quintet.
The concert celebrates the return of the much-celebrated Friends University Jazz Vocal Ensemble(JVE) under the leadership of Professor Neal Allsup. The top big band, Concert Jazz Band, will follow JVE’s vocal set, performing diverse music spanning the decades from Artie Shaw, Count Basie, Thad Jones, Stan Kenton, Frank Mantooth and Dave Holland.
“This is going to be a show you won’t want to miss,” said Dr. Nick Schroeder, jazz program director. “We’ve got a bunch of vocals, instrumentals and collaborations amongst all the groups.Don’t be surprised if you can’t resist jumping out of your seat to dance. This happened last year!”
The concert will take place on Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Sebits Auditorium in the Riney Fine Arts building on the Friends University campus at 2100 W. University Ave., Wichita, Kan.
Tickets for the concert are $12 for adults and $9 for seniors and students. They may be purchased online at friends.edu/fineartstickets or by calling the Fine Arts Box Office at 316-295-5677. Homecoming information can be found at friends.edu/homecoming.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.
