Trumpets Unleashed for International Jazz Day

Champaign/Urbana will once again celebrate the run-up to International Jazz Day with free, live music and film clips at the Art Theater. This year’s program, Blowing Hot, Blowing Cool: Miles Davis, Clark Terry & the Jazz Trumpet Legacy, includes clips from two feature films: Miles Ahead, starring Don Cheadle as Miles Davis during a particularly turbulent period in the artist’s life, and Keep On Keepin’ On, about jazz great Clark Terry in what The New York Times called “a rare musical mentorship, captured with heart and soul.”

In addition to the films, the audience will experience Ronald Romm’s trumpet virtuosity live and hear insights from guest commentator Thomas Birkner. Romm, one of the founding members (now retired) of the renowned Canadian Brass, will showcase several historic horns, including the Conn B-flat cornet Herbert L. Clarke played in John Philip Sousa’s band. Birkner, a former director of the University of Illinois jazz bands, will experience a bit of a homecoming in this performance.

Following the Art Theater performances, everyone is invited to an after-party at the Esquire Lounge featuring a combo led by trumpeters Jeff Helgesen and Nathaniel Banks playing from 7-9pm. The evening’s events are free and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at both venues.

For additional information, contact Amani Ayad at ucgc.champaign [at] gmail.com.