The 29th annual Jazz Guitar Festival presented by Denison University’s Department of Music with support from the Vail Series will take place Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
This year’s festival will feature two artists from the East and West coast jazz scenes. The events are free and open to the public, but tickets are required for the concerts.
On Oct. 31, Bruce Forman will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Sharon Martin Hall of the Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts, 240 West Broadway. Forman is a guitarist, producer and arranger and a respected educator at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. He will be joined by Tony Monaco on the Hammond B3 organ and Reggie Jackson on drums.
Forman has recorded more than 20 albums and has toured internationally. He has also contributed to film scores, including those for Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-winning movies. His work spans various styles, from bebop to western jazz, and he is known for blending tradition with innovation.
On Nov. 1, Sheryl Bailey will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. in the same venue. Bailey is a New York-based jazz guitarist and assistant chair of the guitar department at Berklee College of Music. She is recognized for her tone and melodic creativity. Bailey has released 12 albums and is a finalist in the Thelonious Monk Competition.
The festival will also include masterclasses with both artists. Forman will lead a masterclass at 3 p.m. Oct. 31 in Room 144 of the Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts. Bailey will conduct her masterclass at 3 p.m. Nov. 1 in the Burke Rehearsal Room of the same center. These masterclasses are open to the public, and musicians are encouraged to bring their guitars.
Tickets for the concerts can be obtained by contacting Chris Montgomery at 740-587-6220 or by visiting denison.edu/events/arts.
Information submitted by Denison University.
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Denison University to host 29th Jazz Guitar Festival Oct. 31-Nov. 1