Alvin Atkinson Joins Jazz Band for Performance

The University of Scranton Jazz Band will take the stage Saturday, Oct. 26, with acclaimed drummer Alvin Atkinson joining them as the evening's guest soloist. Presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton, the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Atkinson will also offer a free drumset masterclass for set drummers ranging from students (ages 16 and older) to professionals on Oct. 26 at 3:30 p.m. in the Houlihan McLean Center. Drummers wishing to attend should email [email protected] or call 570-941-7624 for more information. (Younger drummers may attend accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.)

At the concert, the University's student jazz ensemble will perform a variety of works that prominently feature Atkinson on drums. According to Performance Music Conductor and Co-Director Janelle Decker, "the program will feature music representing the work of numerous jazz giants in a variety of styles, all selected to showcase the versatility of our guest artist and maximize the musical and educational experience of our student musicians."

Performance Music Conductor and Director, Cheryl Y. Boga first met Atkinson through his association with Wycliffe Gordon H '06. She explains that "not only is Alvin's mastery of musically and rhythmically 'driving' a jazz band always evident, but he is also a committed teacher who is experienced at conveying complex concepts in a straightforward yet enthusiastic manner."

A member of Wycliffe Gordon's International All-Stars, Atkinson is a six-time U.S. Jazz Ambassador and has traveled the globe performing America's classical music. His own group, Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants, has appeared in South America, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Russia. Known for his dynamic playing style and versatility across various genres, he has recorded and performed with jazz legends Wycliffe Gordon, Vanessa Ruben, Paquito D'Rivera, Ellis Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Cecil Bridgewater, Jimmy Heath, Cedar Walton, Reggie Workman, Roy Hargrove, Cyrus Chestnut, Gerri Allen, Eddie Henderson, ELEW, Maceo Parker, Shirley Scott and many others.

As an educator, Atkinson has conducted classes, clinics and workshops worldwide through the U.S. State Department, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Midori and Friends and many others. He is also an artist-teacher at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Middle School Jazz Academy and is assistant director of Arts at Harlem Children Zone Promise Academies.

The University of Scranton Jazz Band is a 25-member ensemble of big band style instrumentation, made up of University of Scranton student musicians from majors spanning the curriculum. They perform five or more times per year, and the majority of their performances are open to the public, free of admission charge, and often feature a nationally or internationally renowned guest soloist.

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email [email protected] or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Atkinson, visit alvinatkinson.com.