FARMINGTON – Once again, the Maine Jazz Camp is returning for three weeks, starting Sunday, July 6. Under the direction of Christine Correa, the camp offers students an opportunity to work with some of the greatest jazz educators and most vital players working in jazz today.

Maine Jazz Camp also offers the public an opportunity to hear these players as they take turns leading performances, which are free (with donations accepted for the Jazz Camp scholarships for students).

Two of the camp’s premier musicians are Curtis Fowlkes and Art Baron. A trombonist, Baron, at age 23, joined the Duke Ellington band in August 1973, the last year Ellington led the band. He has performed and/or recorded with the likes of Buddy Rich, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor and Bobby Watson.

Also a trombonist, Fowlkes is a veteran of the venerable Jazz Passengers, an eclectic group dedicated to putting entertainment and humor back into jazz. Also, Fowlkes contributed to the Grammy-winning “Unspeakable” and appeared in Robert Altman’s 1996 film Kansas City.

Faculty performances are at 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday in C131 Roberts Learning Center at the University of Maine at Farmington. Student performances are held at 6:30 p.m. Friday and at 10 a.m. Saturday.

During the first week, starting Sunday, July 6, the Jazz Camp faculty will include John O’Gallagher, alto; Russ Johnson, trumpet,; Alan Ferber, trombone; Pete McCann, Alexis Cuadrado, bass; Owen Howard, drums; Ben Waltzer, piano, Vardan Ovsepian, piano; and Jeremy Udden, alto. The next week, starting on July 13, the musicians will be Bill McHenry, tenor; Dave Scott, trumpet; Fowlkes; Nate Radley, guitar; Matt Pavolka, bass; Tony Moreno, drums; Kris Davis, piano; and Daniel Blake, tenor. The final week will feature Andrew Rathbun, tenor; John Carlson, trumpet; Baron; Kenny Wessel, guitar; Michael Sarin, drums; Frank Carlberg, piano, and Thomson Kneeland, bass.

Starting July 6 anyone wanting more information may call 778-7758.


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