Acclaimed jazz artists headline Elmhurst University’s 29th annual June Jazz Concert
Acclaimed jazz artists Byron Stripling, Bobby Floyd, Sydney McSweeney and Jim Rupp, performing with the Elmhurst University Jazz Band, will headline the 29th annual June Jazz concert on Saturday, June 14.
Guests are welcome to come early and enjoy this musical celebration of summer.
This outdoor event is free and open to the public. All are invited to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to the concert, which begins at 6:30 p.m. on the mall of Elmhurst University’s lovely arboretum campus, 190 S. Prospect Ave. Learn more at elmhurst.edu.
About the performers:
• With his engaging rapport, jazzy vocals and virtuosic trumpet sounds, Byron Stripling dazzles audiences wherever he goes. Since his Carnegie Hall debut with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops, Stripling has become a pops orchestra favorite, soloing with Boston Pops, National Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, Seattle Symphony, Baltimore Symphony and many others. Stripling earned his stripes as lead trumpeter and soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Thad Jones and Frank Foster.
• Whether performing jazz or gospel, as a soloist, with a trio or big band, keyboardist Bobby Floyd is a superb musician who has many distinguished appearances to his credit. He has toured and performed extensively with Ray Charles, Rusty Bryant, Chris Howes, Sarah Morrow and his own trio. His current touring schedule includes performances as featured soloist with orchestras throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the Rochester Philharmonic, Vancouver Symphony, Columbus Symphony and many others.
• Sydney McSweeney is a powerhouse vocalist and recording artist known for her enchanting fusion of jazz, gospel, and pop vocal stylings. Her dynamic performances with countless symphonies across America are described as “stunningly beautiful” and draw standing ovations. Whether on the stage or in the studio, she infuses each performance with a unique and soulful energy.
• Jim Rupp is the drummer in the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. He has toured extensively with the bands of Woody Herman (where he played on three recordings, one of which was nominated for a Grammy), Maynard Ferguson and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. He also spent eight years with Grammy-winning jazz singer Diane Schuur, and has toured and performed with Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Joe Lovano, Henry Mancini, Maria Schneider, Clark Terry, Cab Calloway and other luminaries.
The Elmhurst University Jazz Band has performed across the country and around the world, appearing at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival and the Jak Jazz Festival in Indonesia. The band has toured Europe at the invitation of the U.S. State Department and, closer to home, performed around the Midwest with legendary trumpeter Doc Severinsen. The band also has accompanied Dee Dee Bridgewater at the Chicago Jazz Festival. With access to some of the best musicians in the business, students in the Jazz Band gain valuable insights and a professional edge as they prepare for careers and whatever comes next.
For more information, visit elmhurst.edu/JuneJazz or call (630) 617-3611. June Jazz is presented by Elmhurst University and PNC Bank, with promotional support provided by 90.9-FM WDCB.