MTU Jazz Combo Places First at Jazz Fest
The Michigan Tech jazz combo JAZTEC, under the direction of Mike Irish, was selected as the Outstanding Jazz Combo at the 32nd Annual University of Wisconsin JazzFest on Friday, March 26. This is the second year in a row that JAZTEC has received this honor. As a result, they were invited to perform on the prestigious evening concert for 2,800 people in Zorn Arena. Members of JAZTEC include Jay Manley (trumpet/arranger), Andy Gabrielski (tenor sax), Philip Wells (trombone), Rob Redburn (piano), Pat Valencia (guitar), Tim Havens and Jack Matheson (bass), and Matt Hurt (drums). Featured guest artists for this concert were jazz legend/trombonist/composer Slide Hampton, and the brilliant, young lion of the jazz saxophone, Ed Calle. JAZTEC and the MTU Jazz Lab Band were among 14 college combos and big bands appearing at the festival, with MTU being the only "non-music school" represented.
The Jazz Lab Band placed third in the Big Band division, with a stellar group from the conservatory at Gustavus Adolpus College taking the top honors. Only 2 points out of 100 separated the top four groups in this division. Receiving individual Outstanding Musicianship Awards from the International Association of Jazz Educators for their solo work with the Jazz Lab Band were Philip Wells (trombone), Andy Grevstad (trombone), and Matt Wright (vocalist). "I am really pleased with the performances of the Tech bands," said Irish. "The competition was fierce and when only two points separate the top four groups, you know that it is a real horse race. Any of those groups could have won. JAZTEC had a dynamite performance on the evening concert and the audiences just love our jazz groups because they are always amazed that our scientists and engineers make such swinging music!"
This is the 20th time that Michigan Tech has competed in this festival and this is the 4th time that an MTU jazz group has been selected for top honors.
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03/29/99