Renowned American Jazz trumpet play, conductor, composer and educator Jon Faddis will heat up the Emma Kelly stage Friday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m.
    Playing with Faddis will be the Georgia Southern University Jazz Band, conducted by Dr. William Schmid. The GSU Jazz Band has been working diligently to master  the music they will be performing alongside Faddis. Schmid is excited about the upcoming concert, as are his band members.
    “In Statesboro, we seldom have the opportunity to host jazz artists of the stature of trumpeter Jon Faddis,” Schmid said. “He has traveled all over the world, performing everywhere and with the biggest names in jazz. He is also well-known for his commitment to education, specifically jazz education; for the Georgia Southern Jazz Band to have the chance to play with him is terrific.”
    At an early age, Faddis exhibited unique ability and skill that often set him apart from other musicians. Entering the music scene at 18, he was known for his ability to mirror the sound of trumpet icon Dizzy Gillespie. Faddis spent a majority of his younger years touring the world and conducting talented jazz orchestras. He was appointed as conductor for the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band in 1992, a position he held for 10 years.
    Today, this Grammy nominee’s work can be heard on hundreds of records, television scores and movie soundtracks. He currently teaches at the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College and is a guest lecturer at Columbia College Chicago, where he serves as the artistic director for the Chicago Jazz Ensemble.
    Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youth. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 912.212.2787 or visit the Averitt Center for the Arts online.