The feeling is real, and it’s time to get your jazz on. John Raymond, UWEC music alum and award-winning jazz composer performs on Jan. 24 as part of the State Theatre’s Back Stage concert series. Part of a 25-city CD release tour, the concert will feature music from John Raymond’s upcoming album Real Feels, which brings together guitarist Gilad Hekselman and drummer Colin Stranahan, with Raymond on flugelhorn for a unique, bass-less sound. They’ll play original music, and nostalgic folk and jazz favorites with fresh, improvisational twists all their own. Winner of the Herp Albert Award, Raymond is a rising star in New York’s jazz scene, and has performed and recorded with some of the modern jazz world’s greats like Billy Hart, Orrin Evans, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ethan Iverson, Linda Oh and Sara Bareilles. He has been featured at notable music festivals such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival, NPR’s Toast of the Nation, FONT Festival, and the NYC Winter Jazz Festival.  On Jan. 25, John Raymond will host “Bloom Where You Are Planted,” a seminar for students, teachers, and community members on how to encourage students to develop an entrepreneurial mind in their community. The free seminar will be hosted at UWEC’s Haas Fine Arts center from 12-1pm. 

John Raymond and Real Feels • Jan. 24 • The State Theatre (Backstage Entrance) 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • $15 adults, $10 students