Two Grammy-recognized artists hosting Jazz Festival at LMC

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- According to Lake Michigan College, jazz artists Kim Nazarian and Jay Ashby will share the stage with vocal and instrumental soloists and ensembles at the Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre during the LMC Jazz Festival on May 23.

The college says the public concert will start at 5 p.m. and is the culmination of two days of music clinics conducted by Nazarian and Ashby at the LMC Benton Harbor campus.

“This is an incredible opportunity for the community to experience jazz performances from these top-notch industry professionals surrounded by some outstanding collegiate and high school talent from our area. We are fortunate to have these artists visit our campus and work with students to expand their skill and understanding of the jazz art form,” said Rebecca Derbas-Selvidge, LMC director of choirs and music lecturer.

According to the school, Nazarian is a world-renowned, Grammy-nominated jazz performing and recording artist, educator, and clinician. Besides her work as a sought-after solo vocalist, she has performed all over the world with the vocal group New York Voices (NYV) for more than 35 years. She will conduct two days of vocal solo clinics and vocal ensemble clinics with area high school and LMC students.

Ashby is a four-time Grammy-winning producer and has received multiple nominations in other categories, including Arranging and Engineering. He has performed, toured, and recorded with some of the most renowned jazz artists in the industry for over 30 years. Ashby will be sharing his expertise with students through band clinics and the workshop “Listening with Intention”.

"Area high school music instructors interested in having their students participate in this unique educational and performance experience can register online," organizers said. "For questions and further registration information, contact the LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department at [email protected] or 269-927-8876."

This festival is made possible by a grant from the Monday Musical Club. The Monday Musical Club provides grants to schools and non-profit organizations in Berrien County to support music instruction, programs, and performances or other purposes that would engage and educate people of all ages.