Lee University will host School of Music faculty Dr. José Valentino Ruiz and Shawn Perkinson for a recital at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. The performance will take place in the Squires Recital Hall, in the Humanities Center.
Dr. Ruiz and Mr. Perkinson will perform a repertoire in the style of artists who have had tremendous influence on the performers’ artistic identities during their earlier years of training. These artists include Michael Brecker, John Coltrane, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorious, Mike Stern, and Giovanni Hidalgo.
Possessing a deep-rooted passion for providing students with experiential learning opportunities, Dr. Ruiz and Mr. Perkinson decided to utilize selected Lee University students who were up to the challenge of performing the dynamic repertoire. Among them are Robert Acevedo Jr. on drums and percussion, Japheth Varlack on acoustic bass, and Mathew Zalusky on piano. All three students became recipients of four DownBeat student music awards earlier this year.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to showcase what our students at Lee University can do musically,” said Dr. Ruiz. “All of the rehearsals have been completely collaborative. It will be a treat to play the music from our recently released album, “A New Standard.”
Special guests will include Nyreay Penn (music business major) on vocals who will sing a sultry version of "Misty," Kadison Beaver on vocal percussion on Ruiz's "It's My Promise," Dr. Nathan Warner on trumpet performing a fiery rendition of “Cherokee,” and Alan Wyatt on tenor saxophone performing on the closing piece, "Mood Swings."
Dr. Ruiz will perform on flute, saxophone, electric bass, and percussion. Mr. Perkinson will alternate between jazz, fusion, and acoustic guitars.
"It's so awesome to be able to work with students who play at such a high caliber,” said Mr. Perkinson. “This is some of the most exhilarating and challenging repertoire in the world of jazz and fusion. Being a mentor to these students gives me the greatest satisfaction.”
Dr. Ruiz joined Lee’s faculty in 2016 as an assistant professor of music business and teaches courses pertaining to music business, music technology, small jazz ensemble, and advises senior projects. He is the recipient of two Latin GRAMMY Award Nominations, has served as a film scorer for Hayden5Media, and currently serves as strategic communications director for Trevor James Flutes and Saxophones UK Co.
He has performed at esteemed venues such as Carnegie Hall and Tanglewood. He is a TEDx presenter, 49-time DownBeat Student Music Award recipient, 2018 Global Music Award winner, and a 2017 Gold Medal Parents’ Choice Award winner.
Dr. Ruiz earned his Doctor of Philosophy in music education and Bachelor of Arts in music theory from University of South Florida, his Master of Music in instrumental performance (classical performance and studio music/jazz) from University of Miami, and a Doctor of Ministry in global outreach from Truth and Mercy Institute.
Mr. Perkinson has been a commercial/jazz guitar instructor at Lee University since 1999. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he was able to study with Jerry Coker, Donald Brown, and Mark Boling, and currently pursuing a master's in music education from Lee University.
Mr. Perkinson has performed and recorded with groups and artists ranging stylistically from rock, country, and bluegrass to gospel, blues, and jazz, including the Charlie Daniels Band, Jerry Garcia Band, and Sidewalk Prophets, among others. He also co-produces albums for students at Lee University and is one of the most sought-after guitarists in the southeastern United States.
This event is free, non-ticked, and open to the public.
For more information, contact the School of Music at 614-8240 or music@leeuniversity.edu.
Shawn Perkinson