UCO Jazz Lab Honors Headliner Acts with "Walk of Stars"

Sept 15, 2008

The University of Central Oklahoma honored nearly two dozen legendary musicians who have performed at the UCO Jazz Lab since its opening in 2002 by unveiling a "Walk of Stars" dedicated to the musicians this past Friday.

The unveiling of the stars, made of bronze and embedded in the concrete in front of the Lab, took place between concert performances by Grammy-winning jazz singer Steve Tyrell. As part of the ceremony, Tyrell signed his star with a special pen.

Tyrell, who has performed at the Jazz Lab four times, is among the 23 headliners who are included in the first installation on the Walk of Stars. Other stars on the walk include Wynton Marsalis, Karla Bonoff, Judy Collins, Jane Monheit and Christopher Cross. Additional stars will be added in groups as needed.

UCO President Roger Webb developed the idea for the Walk of Stars as a way to highlight the many artists who have performed at the Lab since it's opening.

At the unveiling Webb told the crowd of patrons and supporters, "This is more than just a walk of stars, it's a full galaxy of stars that have played here at the UCO Jazz Lab."

Webb also thanked the Tres Amigos, an Edmond-based concert promotion group and host of Tyrell's show, which has partnered with the Lab since its opening to bring headliner acts to the venue.

During Tyrell's concert, the Tres Amigos presented a check for $10,000 to Webb that will go toward an endowed scholarship for a UCO jazz student.

The next headliner scheduled to perform at the Lab is singer, songwriter Boz Skaggs. He will perform two shows at 7 and 10 pm. on Nov. 7. For tickets, call (405) 340-8552.

The UCO Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth Street in Edmond, hosts concerts each week by local, regional and national musicians and serves as an educational facility for UCO's renowned Jazz Studies program. The facility is also home to a state-of-the-art recording studio, which can be reserved for use by the public.

To learn more about the UCO Jazz Lab, visit www.ucojazzlab.com.

Page updated 9/17/08