INFORMATION FOR
The members of the landmark, critically acclaimed sextet Wingspan will reunite for a concert at William Paterson University in Wayne on Sunday, April 28 as part of the spring 2024 Jazz Room series. The concert begins at 3:00 p.m. in the Shea Center for Performing Arts on campus.
The concert will be preceded by “Sittin’ In,” the Jazz Room’s accompanying “meet the artist” concert preview featuring interviews with jazz artists and guest speakers. This informal discussion, free to all Jazz Room ticketholders, begins at 2:00 p.m. in Shea Recital Hall 101.
The sextet was originally led by the late great pianist Mulgrew Miller, who served as William Paterson’s director of jazz studies from 2005 until his death in 2013. The band was perhaps Miller’s great “voice,” in terms of the showcase of his compositions, and his long collaboration with the world-renowned players appearing on this concert. Reuniting will be vibraphonist Steve Nelson, trumpeter Duane Eubanks, saxophonist Steve Wilson, bassist Nat Reeves, and drummer Carl Allen. Danny Grissett will perform as the group’s pianist. The ensemble previously came together at Jazz at Lincoln Center to great critical acclaim.
Tickets are $15 for the general public, $12 for WP faculty, staff, alumni, and senior citizens, $8 for non-WP students, and WP students are admitted free. Tickets are an additional $5 if purchased on show day. For tickets or additional information, visit wp-presents.org, or contact the Shea Center Box Office at 973.720.2371 or boxoffice@wpunj.edu.
William Paterson University’s Jazz Room series is the longest-running program of its kind in the United States. Launched in 1978, the Jazz Room has welcomed more than 500 jazz legends to the stage, including Sonny Rollins, Wynton Marsalis, Wayne Shorter, Joe Williams, Marian McPartland, Slide Hampton, Kenny Burrell, Joe Lovano, Kenny Garrett, Clark Terry, Michael and Randy Brecker, the Vanguard Orchestra, and more. Concerts have encompassed the entire spectrum of jazz, from early jazz and swing to avant garde, and from intimate solo performances to big bands.
The performance series provides support for the University’s internationally renowned Jazz Studies Program, founded in 1973, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The program draws students from across the United States and abroad under the current direction of Grammy Award-winning pianist Bill Charlap.
The spring Jazz Room series concludes on May 5 with the Martin Wind All-Star Quartet with Scott Robinson, Jim McNeely, and Matt Wilson.
The Jazz Room at William Paterson University has been made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
