Jazz Week 2001 at The University of Memphis kicks off this year on Tuesday, February 27, 7:30 p.m. with the University of Memphis Jazz Singers and The Charlie Wood Group. In its 27th year, Jazz Week brings nationally renowned jazz artists together with students and faculty of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music.

All events will be held in Harris Concert Hall. Concerts are free unless otherwise indicated.

On Friday, March 2, 7:30 PM, the Contemporary Piano Ensemble will perform. This group, led by Memphian James Williams, consists of 4 jazz pianists who perform on stage at the same time. "The Contemporary Piano Ensemble is made up of musicians who are either from Memphis or have a strong tie to the city." Said Tim Goodwin, Assistant Professor at The University of Memphis. "This city has produced some of the most famous pianist in the history of jazz, one of the most important is Phineas Newborn Jr. James Williams has put together a group of world-class musicians to pay tribute to Newborn in a rare four piano ensemble. Additionally three of the members are alumnus of the University of Memphis; James Williams, Donald Brown and Tony Reedus. The week will prove to be one of the most exciting in recent years."

Jazz Week will wrap up on Saturday, March 3, when in addition to concerts there will be a High School Jazz festival and a clinic with jazz pianists James Williams and Donald Brown. Tickets are available at the Concert Hall box office. For more information, call 678-2541.

For more information about Jazz Week, please contact Kay Yager.

A schedule follows:

• Tuesday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. - The University of Memphis Jazz Singers and The Charlie Wood Group
• Wednesday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. - The University of Memphis Jazz Combos and Blue Ascendance, with Tim Goodwin conducting
• Thursday, March 1, 7:30 p.m. - The University of Memphis Faculty Jazz Players and the University of Tennessee Jazz Faculty
• Friday, March 2, 7:30 p.m. - Contemporary Piano Ensemble. Admission is $10 for the general public, $7 for students and senior citizens. U of M students will be admitted free with valid IDs
• Saturday, March 3, 8:30 a.m. - High School Jazz Festival Noon - U of M Jazz Ensemble II 1 p.m. - Clinic featuring James Williams and Donald Brown 7:30 p.m. - Jazz Festival winners; James Williams and Donald Brown with the Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra. Admission is $10 for the general public, $7 for students and senior citizens. U of M students will be admitted free with valid I.Ds. For more information, call 678-2541.

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