YPSILANTI: Motown Jazz Project coming to EMU

Published: Saturday, March 01, 2014
SEMJA is excited to announce a partnership with Eastern Michigan University, their Jazz Studies program, Campus Life at EMU, and local Detroit jazz musicians.

The Motown Jazz Project will present a concert performance at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 5,. at the EMU Student Center, highlighting the contributions of jazz players to the hit-making music of Motown Records. The event is sponsored by the Southeastern Michigan Jazz Association.

Guitarist Ron English - himself a former Motown session participant and former instructor (of English) at EMU - will lead a band of top-notch musicians. The concert will feature Toledo-based vocalist Ramona Collins with several musicians who toured backing Motown stars - keyboardist Al McKenzie (music director for The Temptations), bassist Darrell "Peanut" Smith, saxophonist/flutist Vincent York, trumpeter Dwight Adams (currently touring with Steve Wonder), and Ron Otis on drums.

Instrumental lead sheets from the Motown archives housed at EMU, will be played. The EMU Jazz Ensemble student band under the direction of Donald Babcock will open the show, also playing Motown lead sheets. Special guest performers will be included, while veteran radio MCs will introduce the bands while lending their insight on the Motown Jazz connection.

Prior o the performance, several activities are planned.

On Thursday, April 3, dj 'munk will spin Motown hits at the Student Union from 12-1 p.m.
Read more: http://heritage.com/articles/2014/03/01/ypsilanti_courier/news/doc5311220a08cea382729251.txt