Fox Cities News

The Lawrence Conservatory of Music is set to host its annual Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend, transforming the campus into a hub for jazz enthusiasts. Scheduled for November 8-9, the event will feature over 40 activities, including workshops, masterclasses, and performances. Students from more than 20 middle and high schools will participate in this immersive experience alongside educators and performers.

René Marie and Experiment in Truth are slated to perform on Friday, while the Sean Jones Quartet will take the stage on Saturday. These performances continue a tradition of showcasing established and emerging jazz talents at Lawrence University.

The festival was founded by Fred Sturm in 1981 with a unique non-competitive approach aimed at inspiring students early in the school year. This model remains under the guidance of José L. Encarnación, Patricia A. Darling, Jillian Johnson, and Rosie Cannizzo.

Darling emphasized that the festival's goal is "to have students learn about jazz style and improvisation and get excited about jazz music—that's the premise we've kept." The event provides an opportunity for students to engage in ensemble workshops led by clinicians such as David Hagedorn.

Encarnación highlighted that this environment offers inspiration and helps strengthen group interaction skills through tailored workshops. Afternoon masterclasses further allow faculty to explore advanced jazz concepts with visiting students.

This year's festival will debut new compositions like "Crunch" by Darling and "Bring on the Storm" by Jasper Kashou '24. The tradition of featuring professional musicians continues with René Marie performing Friday evening at Memorial Chapel. Marie blends elements from various genres into her unique style rooted in jazz traditions.

Sean Jones will perform Saturday evening, bringing his experience as a trumpeter and educator to Memorial Chapel. Known for his tenure with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and SFJAZZ Collective, Jones has released several recordings under Mack Avenue Records.

Tickets for these performances are priced at $30 for adults and $25 for seniors, while students can attend free with a school ID. Tickets are available through Lawrence’s box office.