Utah Valley University's music department proudly presents the February Jazz Jam Series with Jonathan Armstrong, director of jazz studies at Idaho State University. The Jazz Jam will be held on February 20 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. Dr. 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.”

 

As part of the effort to engage students with jazz, Jonathan Armstrong, a saxophonist and director of jazz studies at Idaho State University, will be playing with students for the first 45 minutes of the performance. As the show closes, audience members may be invited on stage 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.

 

Jonathan Armstrong is a creative musician, composer, and educator living in Pocatello, Idaho. His background is a mix of intensive academic training and extensive professional experiences on saxophones, bass, and electronic sampler. While living in Los Angeles, Armstrong maintained a busy performance schedule as a highly sought after musician. Along with frequent gigs and recording sessions, he played regularly with bands led by Bennie Maupin, Mike Barone, Vincent Gallo, Vinny Golia, and Dan Rosenboom. Jonathan also co-founded the critically acclaimed modern jazz quartet Slumgum and electronic psychedelic group Pitch Like Masses. He has toured throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan.

 

Students and community members will love this series for its great jazz music, world-class guest performer, and interactive components. The performance will happen on February 20 at 7:30 p.m. on UVU’s Centre Stage. Tickets for the event are available at uvu.edu/thearts and are $5. Tickets will also be available at the door.

 

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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.