Jazz It Up

San Diego State University’s acclaimed jazz program assembles jazz celebrities from throughout the program’s history, including the SDSU Jazz Orchestra, two all-star alumni bands and a distinguished faculty ensemble. They are coming together for a delightful evening of music at Anthology, San Diego’s premier jazz venue.

“Over 60 musicians will be performing and we’re bringing back two full big bands of outstanding alumni from the last 27 years,” Yeager said.  “This will be a reunion of talent not to be missed.”

About the event

“Jazz It Up” begins at 6:30 p.m. April 15 at Anthology in downtown San Diego.

Tickets for “Jazz It Up” are $50 for Premiere reserved seating and a pre-show reception, $30 for VIP reserved seating and $20 general admission, and can be purchased here.

Sunday street parking in downtown San Diego is free.  Learn more information about the School of Music and Dance.

Musicians slated to appear at “Jazz It Up” include:

• Piano: Rick Helzer, Richard Thompson, Anthony Smith, Richard Ciavarell, Ed Kornhauser and Kris Korsgaden.
• Guitar:  Bob Boss, Kevin Jones, Robert Lawson, Harley Magsino, Bill MacPherson and Nick Tocco.  
• Drums: Gunnar Biggs, Isaac Crow, Justin Grinnell, Mack Leighton on bass; Mike Holguin, Kevin Delgado, Larry Grano and Don Kuhli.
• Vocals: Leonard Patton, Larry Grano, Melonie Grinnell and Ellen Johnson.
• Sax:  John Rekevics, Jared Belsky, Gasper Costantini, Becky Fleming, Christopher Hollyday, Chris Lea, Chris Lehnig, Ryan Linvill, Mark McCann, Dick McGuane, Bradley Nash, Tim Nunnink, Chris Pruetting, Cheryl Heale Pruetting, Steve Steinberg and Gabriel Sundy.
• Trumpet: Derek Cannon, Greg Beck, Jeff Beck, Billy Edwall, Preston Kingsley, Doug Meeuwsen, James Myers, Jon Papenbrook, John Reynolds, Karl Soukup, Brad Steinwehe, Phil Tauber and Teagan Taylor.  
• Trombone: Scott Kyle, Fred Biven, Kevin Esposito, Brandon Jagow, Matt Lane, Paul Nowell,  Jordan Morita, Dave Murray, Aya Orozco, Greg Sorcsek, Daniel Reagan and Loren Wooley.

• An evening of Opera Arias- 7 p.m., May 2
• The Kiwanis Cinco de Mayo Concert in Balboa Park- 5 p.m., May 5
• Carmina Burana- 7 p.m., May 8

Learn more information about these concerts.

SDSU Jazz Studies Program

The San Diego State University Jazz Studies Program provides the highest quality musical education and makes a substantial contribution to the cultural life of its region and the world.  From education to research, from performance to composition, SDSU jazz students create strong individual profiles to enhance their musical development.

Through immersion in an environment of rigorous teaching, open inquiry, and deep exploration, students are encouraged to create works, performances, and ideas that have yet to be imagined.

SDSU School of Music & Dance

Seventy-five years ago, the Department of Music at San Diego State University began conferring degrees, and a commitment to excellence in artistic innovation was dedicated.  The commitment fostered a long legacy of educational and musical leadership for the program.  Today it flourishes as the School of Music & Dance.  The School of Music & Dance celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year with special commemorative performances.  For more information about the 75th Anniversary season or the School of Music & Dance visit music.sdsu.edu.