Hundreds of students to perform with top artists at NAU Jazz Festival

Glenn Zaleski

Middle school, high school and college students will slide into jazz musician roles during the 54th Northern Arizona University Jazz Festival, February 25–27.

“Hundreds of students travel here from Arizona and beyond to participate and perform in this outstanding musical event,” said NAU assistant professor of practice Chris Finet, who specializes in String Bass and Jazz Studies. “They will work with world-class adjudicators, great clinicians, interact with NAU faculty, observe peers’ performances and become inspired by our fabulous guest artists.”

The public can get inspired, too.

More than 60 student band performances, faculty clinics, and master classes are open to the public. The festival crescendos with a concert featuring NAU Jazz Ensemble One and eminent jazz artists, tenor saxophonist Lucas Pino and pianist Glenn Zaleski, who will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at NAU Ardrey Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are $20 in advance ($15 student tickets) at NAU’s Central Ticket Office or by calling (928) 523-5661.

Pino and Zaleski also will give a free clinic, open to the public, at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Ardrey Memorial Auditorium.