The annual spring Stan State Jazz Festival is back again this week at Snider Recital Hall on the Turlock Campus. Audiences can prepare for two full days of jazz music on Friday and Saturday, including a special guest appearance from multi-Grammy nominated drummer Eric Harland at 7 p.m. on April 12.
Stan State Jazz Fest gives jazz program’s around the county an opportunity to play with experienced performers to reach a larger audience. Jazz Fest also provides an educational musical experience in jazz for audiences and directors.
There will be performances from Stanislaus County high schools plus Stan State’s own Jazz Combos and Ensembles. There will also be an appearance from the Stanislaus County Music Educators Association (SCMEA) Honor Jazz Band, who will be performing alongside festival headliner Eric Harland Voyager Trio.
The Eric Harland Voyager Trio also consists of one of the top bass players in the Bay Area, Isaac Coyle, and award-winning pianist Matt Wong.
Stan State Jazz Ensemble’s guitar player, Luis Mincey (Junior, Music), recommended attending Jazz Fest to witness their collaboration with Harland.
“Eric Harland is, for sure, bringing a different vibe to the music that we’re playing. I know for a lot of us, especially on “Blue Skies,” you know…it’s a difficult chart. I feel like his presence makes that feel more laid-back.
“His confidence…just…you could just feel it. When he’s with us, I don’t know—it’s different,” Mincey added.
For those interested in seeing Eric Harland Voyager Trio and SCMEA Honor Jazz Band, tickets can be purchased through the Stan State music events website. You can also view the Jazz Festival schedule for more information on the times of the performances.
Harland’s presence at Stan State is an honor to the Department of Music, with his résumé consisting of hundreds of recordings, multiple film scores and recognition from prominent publications such as The New York Times.
The Jazz Ensemble’s saxophone player, Claudio De Souza (Senior, Music), expressed excitement to play for Harland.
“He’s, like, the biggest deal right now of jazz drummers, so if you are not here, you need to be,” De Souza said about the special guest. “There’s a music joke: be there or B-flat.”
“I can’t wait to work with Eric Harland,” Pianist Noble Everett (Senior, Music Technology) added. “I don’t know what to expect, but I’m excited.”
The opportunity to learn from accomplished musicians is a key motivation for members of the Jazz Program to stay engaged. For many, including those in the Jazz Ensemble, receiving mentorship from renowned artists is a long-held dream.
The Stanislaus State Jazz Festival aims to provide students and directors with a positive, educational and enriching jazz experience. The Stan State Jazz Ensemble also hopes this experience encourages those who play instruments to join the program.
Both De Souza and Everett noted that the Stan State Jazz Ensemble is welcoming new members.
“I want to promote the [festival], get more people into the program and raise money so that we can get more instruments and more people and more things to bring in, like cool, famous drummers from out of town,” Everett said.
Masterclasses will be open to audiences on both days, offering a unique opportunity to watch master musicians perform alongside and mentor young artists. The sessions will be led by Eric Harland, Dr. Andrew Watkins-Alcocer and Joe Mazzafero.
“I would say, also, that our jazz program is pretty on fire right now,” De Sousa shared. “We’re getting really good feedback.”.
De Souza clarified that you don’t have to major or minor in music to join the ensembles.
“We’re growing as an ensemble, and we’re still looking for more players,” De Souza said. “If you come out to the Jazz Festival and you hear something that you like, don’t be shy. Come by, and you can join the band!”
