Lee University’s Small Jazz Ensemble, directed by Shawn Perkinson, will perform on Wednesday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Dixon Center on Lee’s campus.
The students performing are vocalists Jazmin De Rubeis, Evan Fishburn, Elijah Godfrey, Jasmine Medlock, Maya Nobles, and Kaden Pennertz; violinists Arami Anderson and Ella DeWitt; guitarists Elijah Kyle and Joah Moree; pianist Gabriel Brooks; bassist Maddie Fox; and drummers Dean Feldbrush and Christopher Phillips.
“The students have worked very diligently this semester in helping put together a very strong program for the concert.” said Mr. Perkinson, instructor of commercial guitar. “I tend to say this each semester, but I honestly feel like there’s something for everyone on this program.”
The concert will feature “Armando’s Rhumba” by Chick Corea, “One Note Samba” by Antonio Carlos Jobim, “But Not for Me” by George Gershwin, along with selections such as “Dream a Little Dream, “Gotta Be This or That,” and “Feeling Good,” as sung by Cynthia Erivo.
“Over the last few years Small Jazz Ensemble has become quite an eclectic group as far as song selections go,” said Mr. Perkinson. “I encourage students to make suggestions for the group from the jazz genre, but I also welcome any other styles the students are interested in. This allows us to explore various musical styles while still being under the broader jazz ensemble.”
Mr. Perkinson studied with Mark Boling, Donald Brown, and Jerry Coker while earning his bachelor’s degree in studio music and jazz from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has performed and recorded with many groups and artists over the years, including The Charlie Daniels Band and Widespread Panic.
The event is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. For livestream viewing, visit leeu.live.
The Dixon Center is near the center of the Lee University campus, on the corner of 11th and Church streets.
For more information, contact the School of Music at (423) 614-8240 or music@leeuniversity.edu.