Annual Jazz Festival happening this weekend at Tarleton State’s Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center.

TSU Media Relations

Special to Beneath the Surface News

Tarleton State University’s annual Jazz Festival, featuring more than 500 middle and high school musicians representing 30 bands from across the state, is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 24-25, in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center in Stephenville.

Friday’s performances and instruction conclude with a 7:30 p.m. concert by Tarleton State’s Jazz II and III ensembles. 

The festival winds up at 7:30 p.m. Saturday with Tarleton State’s Jazz I ensemble, directed by Dr. William Ford, backing guest performer Aubrey Johnson.

Selections include “Where or When,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Easy to Love,” “On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever),” “Fools Rush In,” “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love,” and “Almost Like Being in Love.”

The festival highlights a busy week of student performances, including the Spring Choir Concert featuring Tarleton State’s choral groups directed by Dr. Troy Robertson and Dr. Debbie Seitter, set for Tuesday, April 21; the Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Benjamin Charles, in concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 27; and the Symphonic Band, performing at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, directed by Dr. Gary Westbrook.

The university’s theatrical improv group takes to the stage for a free performance at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 29.

Johnson, a New York-based vocalist, composer and educator, has received composition and touring grants from Chamber Music America and South Arts and was awarded fellowships in music composition by the UCross Foundation and MacDowell.

Her debut album, “Unraveled,” featuring her original music and arrangements, was released in 2020, followed by “Play Favorites,” her duo album with pianist Randy Ingram in 2022, and a third studio album, “The Lively Air,” released earlier this year.

Tickets for each of the musical shows are $10 and are available here.

All seating is general admission.