Jazz, music of Michael Jackson collide April 7 at Loeb Playhouse

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Known for their original compositions and arrangements of notable composers, the SFJAZZ Collective will feature the King of Pop with the "The Michael Jackson Project" on April 7 p.m. at Purdue's Loeb Playhouse.

This 7 p.m. performance is presented by Purdue Convocations. Ticket holders are invited to attend a preshow discussion at 6:30 p.m. in Stewart Center, Room 310, with Don Seybold, host of WBAA's "Inside Jazz," and pianist Judd Danby, who will discuss the SFJAZZ Collective.

An award-winning jazz octet comprising eight performers-composers, the SFJAZZ Collective was launched in 2004 by SFJAZZ, a not-for-profit institution in San Francisco. The Collective has cultivated jazz-education programs for youth and adults while crafting its own approach to repertoire. Each year, the group balances its own originals with the work of post-1960 composers.

After exploring the works of John Coltrane, Horace Silver, and Stevie Wonder, the SFJAZZ Collective continues its foray into popular R&B with "The Michael Jackson Project." The Collective's arrangements of his music include such hits as "Rock with You," "Thriller," "Smooth Criminal" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'."

Tickets are $28 for adults and $20 for children 18 years and younger, Purdue students and Ivy Tech Lafayette students. Tickets are available at the Stewart Center box office at 765-494-3933 or 800-914-SHOW. Group tickets are also available to groups of 10 more. Call 765-496-1977 for more details or visit https://purdue.edu/convocations/group-sales/

Initiated in 1902, Purdue Convocations was one of the first professional performing arts presenters in the United States. Each year, Convocations offers the region 30-40 performances of widely varying genres. Purdue Convocations aims to promote frequent exposure to and familiarity with human cultural expression in a multitude of forms and media.

Source: Abby Eddy, Purdue Convocations director of marketing, 765-494-9712, aeeddy@purdue.edu 

Note to Journalists: Publication-quality photographs are available at https://www.purdue.edu/convocations/press/