Central College News

Diego Urcola performs at Jazzmania festival

Central College presents the 33rd installment of its annual Jazzmania festival Feb. 4, featuring high school and middle school jazz band competitions and a concert from the Central College Jazz Band. Competition kicks off at 9 a.m. in Douwstra Auditorium with the concert scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The Central Jazz Band will be joined by Argentinean jazz trumpeter Diego Urcola. Alongside Urcola, the ensemble will perform a repertoire of six songs, including “What is This Thing Called Love?” and “Peaceful Thunder.”

A graduate of Boston’s Berklee College of Music, Urcola is an internationally recognized jazz musician and has received three Grammy nominations. He has released four albums and has been a featured musician on 20 others. His resume includes work in numerous ensembles, including the United Nations Orchestra and the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Star Big Band. In 2001, he won a Latin Grammy for his work with the Paquito D’Rivera Quintet.

“This is a unique opportunity for the audience to be able to hear one of today’s best jazz trumpet players,” said Gabriel Espinosa, associate professor of music and Jazz Band director.

During the day, Jazzmania XXXIII will feature 13 visiting youth bands from across Iowa competing in middle school and high school divisions. Judges will vote for the top three bands and will hand out individual awards. The competition serves as a precursor for the state competition, with top places qualifying bands to advance.

Competing bands will be judged by a panel of six professional musicians and visiting college music instructors with extensive jazz backgrounds.

“This is a great opportunity for young jazz players to learn and explore new repertoire and develop their improvisation,” said Espinosa.

Youth musicians will also have the opportunity to listen to other bands and to work directly with a judge after their performance.

Cost for the competition is $3. The evening concert is free and open to the public. A live video webcast of the concert will be available at www.central.edu/finearts.

For more information, contact Debbie Abel at 641-628- 5236 or abeld@central.edu.

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