Singer Alexis Cole and flutist Nestor Torres return to Akron for JazzFest 2016, a weeklong celebration of jazz at The University of Akron School of Music that begins on Tuesday, March 15.
Cole has been compared to classic jazz singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Anita O'Day. She has performed with the Boston Pops and New York Philharmonic on stage at venues from Avery Fisher Hall to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and is the vocalist for the West Point Band Jazz Knights.
Grammy Award-winning flutist Torres has performed with Gloria Estefan, Kenny Loggins, Herbie Hancock and Arturo Sandoval, and with the Cleveland, Singapore and New World Symphony Orchestras. In addition to his achievements in the studio and on the stage, Torres is the recipient of many awards, including two honorary doctorate degrees for his commitment to youth, education and cultural exchanges.
Cole and Torres are the Bittle Jazz Artists-in-Residence for UA JazzFest 2016. Now in its 14th year, the Bittle Jazz Residency Program was established by a gift to The University of Akron School of Music from Edward L. and Frances Yates Bittle.
Here’s the JazzFest schedule:
Tuesday, March 15, 7:30 p.m.
Alexis Cole with Student Jazz Combos and Lab Band
Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave.
Free. For information, contact 330-972-8301 or concerts@uakron.edu.
Wednesday, March 16, 7:30 p.m.
Alexis Cole and Nestor Torres with Faculty Jazz Combo
Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
Tickets are $12 general, $6 non-UA students and free for UA students with Zip Cards.
Open seating — doors open one hour before the performance.
Beverages and light fare will be available for purchase.
For information, call 330-253-2488, or visit UAevents.com.
Thursday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.
Alexis Cole and Nestor Torres with Student Jazz Ensemble
Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
Tickets are $12 general, $6 non-UA students and free for UA students with Zip Cards.
Open seating — doors open one hour before the performance.
Beverages and light fare available will be for purchase.
For information, call 330-253-2488, or visit UAevents.com.
Friday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.
JazzFest Bittle Legacy Concert, with guest flutist Nestor Torres
Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
Nestor Torres and graduates of UA’s Jazz Studies program will join together for a special concert honoring the legacy of the late Edward Bittle. The concert is part of the Kulas Concert Series.
Tickets are $12 general, $6 non-UA students and free for UA students with Zip Cards.
Open seating — doors open one hour before the performance.
Beverages and light fare available will be for purchase.
For information, call 330-253-2488, or visit UAevents.com.
Media contact: Patricia LaNasa, 330-972-8325 or planasa@uakron.edu.
Alexis Cole
Nestor Torres