On Saturday, July 30th at 1:30 p.m. in McCurdy Pavilion, Jazz Port Townsend and the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Live program, welcome the Centrum Faculty All-Star Big Band, directed by NEA Jazz Master Bill Holman. The performance will include a world-premiere composition from Holman, written to feature the talents of nine-time Grammy winner, and fellow NEA Jazz Master, Paquito D’Rivera.
The NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship is the highest honor that our nation bestows on jazz artists. Each year since 1982, the program has elevated to its ranks a select number of living legends who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of jazz.
Holman, whose compositions and arrangements have been featured by bandleaders Stan Kenton, Count Basie, Doc Severinsen, and many others, was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2010.
“We are very excited to have been chosen to be part of this national celebration of NEA Jazz Masters,” said Jazz Port Towsnend Artistic Director John Clayton. “At Centrum, listening to and learning from established masters has long been part of our workshops and festivals.”
Enjoy the video below of Bill Holman from the NEA Jazz Masters Interview series, and make plans now to witness the historic world premiere from this living legend of jazz.