Aaron Goldberg Trio Inaugurates Jazz Day at The College at Brockport

BROCKPORT, NY (01/22/2009)(readMedia)-- With the Rochester International Jazz Festival either a distant memory or only starting to rise above the horizon, jazz in the Rochester area gets a wintry boost with the appearance of The Aaron Goldberg Trio, which will be in residency during Jazz Day at Brockport on Friday, February 6, 2009. The day-long event includes a symposium, "Jazz and its Evolution," a master class for area jazz musicians of all skill levels, and a cocktail reception. The celebration of music will be capped with a concert by the Trio at 7:30 pm in The College at Brockport's Tower Fine Arts Center Mainstage, 180 Holley Street, Brockport.

The symposium and master class are free and open to the public and will be moderated by Goldberg. Tickets for the concert are $12/general admission, $10/seniors, College at Brockport faculty and staff and $8/students. A combination pass that includes the reception and the concert is $25 and available by phone at (585) 395-ARTS or at the Tower Fine Arts Center Box Office. Tickets for the concert itself also can be obtained at all Rochester area Wegmans stores.

Inspired by the rhythms of the music of Brazil and Portugal, Aaron Goldberg is one of the bright spots in the latest generation of jazz artists. After his award-winning years at the Berklee School of Music, he moved to New York City, where he worked and studied with jazz icons such as Betty Carter, Joshua Redman and Wynton Marsalis. Playing piano for Marsalis and his Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, both in New York and on tour, prompted the trumpeter to comment, "Aaron Goldberg is a modern improviser of great clarity, finesse and dexterity." Goldberg's solo career as a bandleader and composer took off with his debut recording, Turning Point. About his most recent recording, Worlds, the Boston Globe raved "it's a gorgeous session that makes a compelling case for Goldberg's ensemble as one of the era's definitive piano trios."

Jazz Day at Brockport is sponsored by the Marc and Ann Iacona Family. Marc Iacona, co-producer of the Rochester International Jazz Festival and president of Rochester-based Simcona Electronics Corporation, believes that "music education is critical to understanding the intricacies and nuances of jazz. Musicians and non-musicians alike can develop a passion and deeper appreciation for what they're hearing through music education." His generosity has transformed Jazz Day from an idea to a projected three-year commitment. Jazz Day is also supported by the Brockport Foundation.

Jazz Day at Brockport events include:

10:45 - 11:45 am: Symposium: "Jazz and its Evolution": Edwards Hall, Room 100/Blue Room (Free/Open to the public)

4 - 5 pm: Master Class: Tower Fine Arts Center/Lobby (Free/Open to the public)

6 - 7 pm: Cocktail Reception: Edwards Hall Lobby (Ticket required)

7:30 - 9 pm: Aaron Goldberg Trio in Concert: Tower Fine Arts Center/Mainstage (Ticket required)

The reception will feature an open wine bar and hearty hors d'oeuvres, including several new gustatory creations from the kitchens of Garnishes Catering. Edwards Hall is located across Holley Street from Tower Fine Arts Center on The College at Brockport campus.