The Moravian College Music Institute will hold the 11th annual July Jazz Getaway week from Sunday, July 6, to Saturday, July 12. This year's July Jazz Getaway features guest artist David "Fathead" Newman who will perform in concert with the Moravian College BIG Band on Thursday, July 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the Foy Concert Hall on Moravian College's Church Street Campus in historic Bethlehem. A master class with David "Fathead" Newman will be conducted on Friday, July 11, at 10:30 a.m.
Newman's performance and master class are part of the July Jazz Getaway (JJG), a weeklong summer jazz vacation camp at Moravian College. The Getaway is designed for non-professional adult musicians. The program offers daily jazz, big band, ensemble, and jam session playing with a faculty of professional musicians.
David "Fathead" Newman is known for his mastery of alto and tenor saxophone. His resume is long and impressive and his performance credits include recording sessions and performances with Herbie Mann, Art Blakely, Ellis Marsalis, Cedar Walton, Buster Smith, Stanley Turrentine, Lee Morgan, Hank Crawford, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole. As a leader, he has released dozens of recordings, netting Grammy nominations and other industry awards. His latest recording, "The Gift" was just released in January 2003.
The July Jazz Getaway week events that are open to the public include the following:
The Moravian College Faculty Kick-Off Jazz Concert will be held on Sunday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. The ensemble features Neil Wetzel on saxophone, Dave Roth on piano, Paul Rostock on bass, and Gary Rissmiller on drums. General admission is $10; $5 for senior citizens, students, and children 12 and under.
The Lehigh Valley Open Jam Session will be held on Wednesday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. All area musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join in the action on stage. The jam session is free and open to the public.
On Thursday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. David "Fathead" Newman will perform with the Moravian College Big Band & JJG faculty. General admission is $15; $10 senior citizens: $5 students and children 12 and under.
Master class with David "Fathead" Newman will be held on Friday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m. He will review and critique July Jazz Getaway players techniques offering suggestions and tips. The workshop provides insight into the style and techniques that made Newman a jazz great. All seats are $5.
The July Jazz Getaway Ensembles Concert will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. The concert features the talents of the camp participants along with the Moravian College BIG Band. Admission is free.
Events are held in Moravian College's Foy Concert Hall at Main and Church streets in historic downtown Bethlehem. For more information on the July Jazz Getaway and concert schedule, contact the Moravian College Music Institute at (610) 861-1650 or [email protected]. Visit the July Jazz Getaway on the web at http://home.moravian.edu/public/music/jjg/index.htm.
July Jazz Getaway (JJG) was conceived in 1993 as a simple idea: a place where adult amateur jazz musicians could get away from their usual daily lives and get together to play lots of jazz in a fantasy camp, vacation atmosphere, with no pressure and where the emphasis is on having fun.
During the week, musicians explore a range of jazz genres: Swing, Bebop, Fusion, Traditional (Dixieland), Rock, Latin, and more. Every day their schedule encompasses playing in small groups, big bands, and even daily jam sessions. Led by Neil Wetzel, Director of Jazz Studies at Moravian College, and other JJG faculty members, participants have a full week of playing and listening to jazz.
Clinics and concerts with guest artists are also a part of the week's activities. Past artists have included Ellis Marsalis, Clark Terry, Terell Stafford, Bobby Watson, Wycliffe Gordon, and Bobby Sanabria.
JJG participants have come from several states across the country and had various occupations. Among them were: college professor, scientist, mail carrier and advertising executive. What brought them together was their love of jazz. As Jelly Roll Morton once said, "Good music never gets old".
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