EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE’s Dunham Hall Theater resonated with vibrant sound of jazz as the SIUE Concert Jazz Band welcomed four celebrated alumni for the 2nd Annual SIUE Jazz Alumni Concert on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. The evening brought together past and present Cougars in a dynamic showcase of jazz artistry, featuring a rotation of guest performances from four nationally recognized musicians who got their start at SIUE: Austin Cebulske, '12, saxophonist, Kara Baldus, '03, '05, pianist, Nick Jost, ‘08, ‘12, bassist, and Marty Morrison ‘09, ‘12, percussionist. The evening culminated in the dedication of the inaugural Brett Stamps Jazz Alumni Award, to guitarist Rick Haydon, professor emeritus, in absentia. Under the conduction of Garrett Schmidt, associate professor of jazz studies, the SIUE Concert Jazz Band opened with a roiling arrangement of "Fascinating Rhythm" from George and Ira Gershwin. An eight-piece set followed, featuring compositions from greats
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