CHAMPAIGN — Trumpeter-composer Wynton Marsalis calls saxophonist/ woodwind artist/composer Alexa Tarantino “a one-woman wrecking crew, ... an indomitable force for expression, education and for absolute excellence.”
Area residents will get to see for themselves when Tarantino is part of the 55th annual Jazz Festival, which runs Friday and Saturday at Champaign Central High.
“Alexa Tarantino, from New York, is first call in jazz at Lincoln Center and has her own group, which is pretty exciting,” Central band/orchestra director John Currey said. “It’s actually the first female jazz artist we’ve had.”
She will give a clinic at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Tarantino won’t be the only celebrity attending. Viktor Krauss, brother of Alison and a professional upright bass player who’s “played with about everybody” from Tom Jones to John Fogerty, will be part of the Central alumni band performing at 7:45 p.m. Saturday.
Friday’s lineup begins at 5:30 p.m. with performances by the Central Lab Band, Franklin Middle School 1 and 2 bands, Central Stage Band, Jefferson Middle School Band, Chip McNeill Quartet and Central Jazz Ensemble.
Following Tarantino’s clinic, the day will feature performances by bands from PBL, Central Lab, Mahomet-Seymour, Central Stage, U of I Repertory Jazz Orchestra, the Central alumni band and Central Jazz Ensemble.
— DAVE HINTON
