Join us Thursday, February 29th, for “Walter Blanding Presents". This is the second in a series of concerts hosted by Walter Blanding, featuring local talent and invited guests from the jazz scene.

Each performance begins with a brief discussion between the audience and artists, using our imagination to take us on a journey of music together.

Walter Blanding (tenor and soprano saxophones): For over 30 years, Walter has been bringing the joy of music to people across the globe, from New York to China and everywhere in between. As a music educator, Walter states: “I find great satisfaction in helping students benefit from lessons in a way that extends beyond the scope of music and lasts for a lifetime.” Using some of his experiences has been a great way of sharing valuable insights when teaching, his career includes performances and recordings with some of the great artists of our times; Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, Chick Corea, Dave Brubeck, Wayne Shorter, Willie Nelson, Dianna Ross, Count Basie Orchestra, Cab Calloway, Branford Marsalis, Illinois Jacquet Big Band, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis Quintet, Roy Hargrove, Tony Bennet, Elton John, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Liza Minelli, Bobby McFerrin, Sister Sledge, Isaac Hayes, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Billy Eckstine, Isaack Pearlman, Natalie Merchant, Seiji Ozawa, Joshua Bell, the New York Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Paris Radio Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and many others. Walter was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in New York City. His artistry began to impress critics and listeners alike in 1991, with his debut on Tough Young Tenors, acclaimed as one of the year’s best jazz albums. Since then, his musical and spiritual presence on this earth has continued to evolve. In 1999, a feature article in Newsweek International described Walter as the “Jazz Ambassador to Israel.” Walter lived in Israel for four years. He made a significant impact on the music scene, touring the country with his ensemble and with invited artists from the States. His presence and influence in the country have inspired the film “Caravan 841”, in which he was a featured actor. Walter also taught music in several Israeli schools and opened his private school in Tel Aviv. With his dedication to enriching lives by using the arts as a cultural exchange, Walter served as the Jazz Ambassador in Shanghai, China, for Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai from 2018 to 2020. In addition, he has been an artist in residence in Maine during the winter and spring season of 2022. Walter is currently the Professor of Jazz Saxophone at Michigan State University.

Group Bio - CYPRESS is a collective composed of Tommy Noble (Alto Sax), Alvin Paige (Tenor Sax), Levi Taple (Guitar), Emma Wilburn (Bass) and Brian Allen (Drums and Cymbals). The quintet was originally formed in 2022. The group focuses on writing and performing our original music while still pulling influence from past masters. CYPRESS uniquely stands out amongst other jazz groups because it brings fresh perspectives and takes on the music. The ensemble is a genre bending group that utilizes diverse original works from all members of the group. This uniquely showcases each member as both a performer, composer and arranger. Everyone in the group brings a unique background and perspective. Members of the group are from all over the country, including California, Michigan, and Minnesota. A diverse range of influences can
be heard in the group's music, anywhere from Gospel to Avant Garde Jazz. The group has recorded its debut album and is planning its release for 2024. The mission of CYPRESS is to honor the aural tradition of Jazz while creating something new and unheard before.

Tickets > https://urbanbeat.ticketspice.com/walter-blanding-presents-cypress-the-music-of-jackie-mcclean

$25 General Admission, $10 Student (with Student ID), $55 Dinner and a Show