UWEC’s Jazz I Ensemble

Claudio Roditi Trumpets

Claudio Roditi

Claudio Roditi, one of the featured guest artists at this year’s festival, is a Grammy-nominated composer, arranger, and trumpeter from Brazil. He combines post-bop elements with Brazilian rhythmic tendencies in his trumpet playing to create a distinctive sound, and has recorded or performed with reputable artists such as Joe Henderson, Tito Puente, Paquito D’Rivera, and Horace Silver. Roditi has long been attached to the legacy of bebop pioneer Dizzy Gillespie, playing in his United Nation Orchestra for five years before joining a tribute group called the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, with which he currently performs. Roditi will be giving daily master classes throughout the festival and will appear with Geoffrey Keezer at both headlining concerts on April 5 and April 6 at Memorial High School.

52nd Street Returns

For the second year in a row, the Eau Claire Jazz Festival will recreate the historic jazz scene on New York City’s 52nd Street. On Friday, April 5, from 5pm until 2am, venues along South Barstow Street in downtown Eau Claire will play host to 20 different small jazz combos and big bands composed of area high school and UW-Eau Claire students, as well as many Chippewa Valley community members.

Workshops Abound

In addition to the many concerts and competitions, the Eau Claire Jazz Festival also will feature numerous clinics and workshops throughout the weekend, all of which are available to the public. Guest artists Geoffrey Keezer and Claudio Roditi will both be giving daily master classes, and UW-Eau Claire faculty and various community members will be contributing their knowledge. Check out clinics on improvisation techniques and the concept of teaching jazz led by UW-Eau Claire saxophone professor Grant Larson, listen to Sue Orfield play her saxophone and talk about the blues, or learn about basic recording tips from Pine Hollow Audio owner Evan Middlesworth. If jazz history is what piques your interest, check out Ryan Jones’ lectures on the traditions Keezer and Roditi came out of, along with interesting facts about the other artists they’ve collaborated with.