Both fun and educational, Family Matinees provide a window into the exciting world of live jazz. Each one-hour matinee features live performance, audience participation, Q&A and amazing music. Although designed for elementary school students, our Family Matinees are open to music fans of all ages.
The Marcus Shelby Trio hosts our Spring Matinee series, highlighting the primary solo or “lead” instruments of jazz as well as the role of the vocalist. Each matinee will focus on a particular instrument used in jazz and explore the techniques and innovations developed by some of the most celebrated artists. Enjoyed individually or as a series, these Family Matinees will change the way you hear jazz.
Saturday, March 10, 11:00AM • Herbst Theatre
From Buddy Bolden and Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong to Dizzy, Miles, Hubbard and Marsalis, the role of the trumpet has often been a catalyst for evolutionary change in jazz. Learn how the many “trumpet kings” explored new texture, evolved solo techniques and experimented with mutes to create new sounds.
Saturday, April 14, 11:00AM • Herbst Theatre
The reeds have contributed to stylistic development perhaps more than any other instrument in jazz. The great saxophonists — playing alto, tenor or baritone — have brought about revolutionary ways of playing that inspired future generations, and the role of the clarinet continues to be redefined. From Sidney Bechet to Charlie Parker and beyond.
Saturday, May 12, 11:00AM • Herbst Theatre
From Kid Ory to J.J. Johnson and Melba Liston, jazz trombonists have paved the way for one of the most powerful lead “voices” in jazz. Slide trombones in particular represent the powerful, lush and low register that compliments the brash, explosive sound of the trumpets, and when played in a solo role can be one of the most emotive of instruments.
Saturday, June 9, 11:00AM • Herbst Theatre
The human voice is our most precious instrument, and the history of jazz music has been told — and of course, sung — by an extraordinary collection of vocalists, from Blues icon Bessie Smith to Ella Fitzgerald, and crooners such as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. The jazz singers we celebrate have paved the way for the young pioneers of tomorrow.
Compelling, spontaneous conversations with select artists. Free to all ticket holders of the evening's show.
Music appreciation classes for adults, offering insights into jazz music, history and culture.
