Jazz great to open new fine arts center

Jazz lovers can get a sneak peek at North Central College's new concert hall next week.

Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville.

The event is private, but a limited number of tickets are available to the public.

Marsalis, who co-founded the jazz program at Lincoln Center in New York City, has sold more than 7 million albums and netted nine Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. He will be accompanied by an orchestra of 15 jazz soloists and ensemble players.

Brian Lynch, director of fine arts for North Central College, said it's the "smooth elegance of his trumpet," that make Marsalis one of the greats.

"He's such an incredible name, such an incredible talent," Lynch said. "We're fortunate to have an artist of that caliber coming here."

The concert will be the first performance in the new $30 million, 57,000-square-foot facility that includes a 605-seat auditorium, 150-seat black box theater and an art gallery.

"This is bragging rights to say I was there," Lynch said. "Believe me, this room and that group are going to knock people's socks off, blow people away."

Those who attend the concert Tuesday also will get to take part in semi-guided tours of the facility and can view the 41-piece JPMorgan Chase Art Collection, where the curator will discuss the work.

Tickets are $150 a person and include light refreshments before the concert and a champagne toast and dessert reception afterward. A limited number are available by calling (630) 637-5213 or e-mailing jelong@noctrl.edu.

The college will officially open and dedicate the facility Saturday, Oct. 18. The inaugural season will include the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, jazz vocalist Kurt Elling and violinist Rachel Barton Pine.

If you go

What: Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30; doors open at 6 p.m.

Where: Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville

Tickets: $150; includes concert, art viewing, light refreshments before and after the show

Info: (630) 637-5213 or jelong@noctrl.edu

For a schedule, visit finearts.northcentralcollege.edu.