The Utah Valley University Music Department proudly presents the April Jazz Jam Series with Ryan Nielsen. The Jazz Jam will be held on April16 at 7:30 p.m. in Centre Stage on UVU’s campus.
The Jazz Jam Series aims to bring UVU students together in appreciation of a great musical genre. Alex Heitlinger, assistant professor and director of jazz and contemporary performance, stated, “We wanted to create an all-ages jazz jam session in Utah County to help connect UVU student musicians with the local jazz scene.”
Praised for the “breathtaking singing quality of his sound, tremendous instrumental skill, and outstanding creativity," by jazz icon John McNeil, Ryan Nielsen's artistry grows out of a love of groove, spirit, and beautiful melody. He has deep roots in both classical and jazz music, a vulnerable devotion to discovering his personal artistic voice, and a penchant for thrilling musical risk taking. As part of the effort to engage students with jazz, Ryan Nielsen will be playing with students for the first 45 minutes of the performance. As the show closes, audience members may be invited to join in the “jam” with their own instruments. Audience members should prepare to “sit in” by bringing their own instruments and remembering jazz etiquette and rules.
Students and community members will enjoy this series for its great jazz music, world class guest performer, and interactive components. The performance will happen on April 16 at 7:30pm on UVU’s Centre Stage. Tickets for the event are $5 for community members and students alike.
To purchase advance tickets, visit: uvu.universitytickets.com or Campus Connection.
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About Utah Valley University
At 37,282 students and growing, Utah Valley University is the largest public university in the state of Utah and one of a few in the nation offering a dual-mission model that combines the rigor and richness of a first-rate teaching university with the openness and vocational programs of a community college. UVU’s unique model, which focuses on student success, engaged learning, rigorous academic programs and faculty-mentored research, is transforming higher education by making it more affordable and accessible to students of all backgrounds.