Bill Watrous to Perform with Cal Poly Jazz Bands on May 21

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Bill Watrous, regarded as one of the most technically and musically gifted trombonists in all of jazz history, will perform with Cal Poly’s best jazz musicians in a concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 21, in the Performing Arts Center.

Watrous' career includes recordings with Quincy Jones, Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman, as well as his own critically acclaimed ensemble, "The Manhattan Wildlife Refuge Big Band." He is famous around the world for his technical mastery of the trombone and the post-bop idiom in jazz.

Watrous will perform with the University Jazz Band #1, directed by Music Professor and Director of Jazz Studies Paul Rinzler. The ensemble will feature several pieces by Tom Kubis, one of the best-known and loved modern big band composers. A second big band, as well as two jazz combos, will also perform a variety of contemporary and classic jazz works.

Ticket prices are based on seating. Tickets are $12 and $15 for general admission, $10 and $13 for seniors and Jazz Federation members, and $6 and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the Performing Arts Ticket Office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. To order by phone, call SLO-ARTS (805-756-2787).

The Jazz Night concert is sponsored by the Cal Poly Music Department, College of Liberal Arts and Instructionally Related Activities program. For more information, call the Music Department at 805-756-2406.

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