UCO Jazz Lab to Celebrate Fifth Anniversary with Free Concert

March 1 , 2007

The University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a free concert by the Jazz Ambassadors, the United States Army's premiere touring jazz orchestra, at 8 p.m., March 8.

This 19-member big band, formed in 1969, has performed in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and throughout Europe.

The band’s diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, Dixieland, vocals and patriotic selections.

Lee Rucker, Jazz Lab Director, said the concert is a way to

thank the community for its                       U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors

support.

“We appreciate the tremendous support over the past five years, and we wanted to let the public know that by giving them an opportunity to see this very versatile and entertaining jazz group,” Rucker said. “This is a concert for the entire family.”

Although the concert is free, there are a limited number of seats and reservations are required.  Reservations can be made by calling the Jazz Lab at (405) 359-7989. 

 The Jazz Lab opened five years ago and houses the UCO Jazz Studies Program and the UCO Jazz Lab recording studio. 

Since its debut, it has hosted such music greats as Wynton Marsalis, Diane Schuur, Steve Tyrell, Maynard Ferguson, Judy Collins, Chris Botti and George Winston.

 The Jazz Lab, located at 5th and Littler in Edmond, features live music every Thursday through Saturday nights (and other nights as scheduled), with a full-service bar and pizza from Hideaway Pizza. 

For a performance schedule, visit the Lab online at www.ucojazzlab.com

Page updated 3/1/07