Waubonsee Community College will host a free spring jazz series, featuring art and live music performed by Waubonsee students and faculty, as well as other middle school, high school, college, and professional musicians. The series will kick off at the college’s Aurora Downtown Campus, 18 S. River St., on Friday, Feb. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and is being held in conjunction with Aurora Downtown First Fridays.
“We are thrilled to curate a series where live music and art collide, offering an artistic outlet to celebrate all that spring represents: beauty and growth,” said Dr. Ruth Anne Rehfeldt, Dean for Visual and Performing Arts, Education and Sciences.
Music and art lovers of all ages will enjoy a special night of musical performances by the Oswego East High School Jazz Band and Waubonsee’s Jazz Combo. There will also be a pottery wheel throwing demonstration. A collection of unique pottery designed by students in Waubonsee’s Ceramics Club will be on display.
William Estrada, a visiting artist who works with community art projects, will be there to help attendees make their own silkscreen t-shirts from 6 to 8 p.m. Silkscreen t-shirts will be available while supplies last.
On Saturday, Feb. 11, the jazz series will move to the college’s Sugar Grove Campus Auditorium with a full “Day of Jazz” from 2 to 8 p.m., featuring the Illinois State University Jazz Combo I and Jazz Ensemble I and Waubonsee adjunct faculty member and guest saxophonist, Matt Muneses. Attendees will hear a wide variety of musical compositions performed by Waubonsee’s Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble and the Kaneland Harter Middle School Jazz Ensemble.
On Saturday, April 15, audiences will be inspired by the earthy grooves and electronic sounds of the Mösching Quartet at the Sugar Grove Campus Auditorium. Waubonsee adjunct faculty member and lead guitarist, Samuel Mösching will be joined by some of Chicago’s finest musicians for this free evening performance.
On Friday, May 5, the spring jazz series continues with a live performance by the Lenard Simpson III Quartet, art, and an evening of education and fun during Aurora Downtown First Fridays.
To learn more about the spring jazz series and other Waubonsee art and music events, visit calendar.waubonsee.edu/humanities.
Waubonsee continually strives to provide enriching opportunities for its district residents to study art and music. Classes are available for credit as well as for personal enrichment. Some art classes are available in a 12 or 8-week format with classes beginning Feb. 13. Visit waubonsee.edu/arts to learn more and to register for classes.
