Wharton to host faculty jazz performance

By Anthony Harvey | Originally Published: 08/31/10 9:21pm |Modified: 08/31/10 9:37pm | No comments

Sam Mikalonis | The State News

Renowned jazz pianist and MSU College of Music alumnus Henry Butler relaxes during a rehearsal Tuesday afternoon at the Music Practice Building for a concert with the Professors of Jazz Studies Program tomorrow evening.

MSU professors of jazz studies will be performing alongside alumnus and New Orleans musician Henry Butler at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1 in Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre.

As an MSU Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Bulter has made his way into MSU history with his music style, influenced by jazz, Caribbean, classical, pop, blues and R&B.

MSU Jazz Studies Director Rodney Whitaker said the performance is an inviting suggestion to welcome current as well as prospective students and faculty to the new academic year.

“It kicks off the school year on an inspirational tone and promotes harmony,” Whitaker said. “The students get somewhat motivated when they see their professors in action.”

The professors involved in the performance said, although they are excited, they are not worried about their upcoming shows.

“I actually feel the excitement just before I am about to perform,” Whitaker said. “I can speak for all of us when I say we (jazz studies professors) have had thousands of performances and this is just another.”

Instructor of jazz drums Randy Gelispie said the audience could include Lansing-area residents and retired faculty members, as well as prominent figures within the community.

“Virg (Bernero) stopped in one of our shows a few years ago,” Gelispie said.

Whitaker said considering the array of talent being displayed in the performance, the planning process was not extensive.

“Jazz music involves composing at the moment and reacting with each other,” said James Forger, Dean of the College of Music. “(It’s) like a conversation.”

Forger said Butler is one of the country’s best pianists and is at the top of his profession, with people usually paying a great deal of money to hear him at venues anywhere across the country.

“I am thrilled for the performance,” Forger said. “Students should find themselves heading over to Wharton (Center) and enjoying the show.”