‘The Poetry of Jazz’ by Philip Levine and Benjamin Boone ranked #3 Jazz Album of the Year by Downbeat Magazine

Philip Levine, Benjamin Boone and the band in the studio

What started as a jazz project between two Fresno State colleagues has earned the respect of Downbeat Magazine readers who rank “The Poetry of Jazz” the number three Jazz Album of the Year in the 2018 Readers Poll. The poll results appeared in the December 2018 issue and praised the performance of Pulitzer-winning poet laureate […]

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Music monsters emerge for ‘Jazz-O-Ween’ concert

The Fresno State Jazz Orchestra directed by Richard Lloyd Giddens Jr. and the Fresno State Jazz Ensemble directed by Craig VonBerg will come together for a spooky night of music for the “Jazz-O-Ween” concert presented by California State University, Fresno. Event Details Time & Date: 8 p.m., Oct. 31 Place: Fresno State Concert Hall Tickets: […]

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Celebrating the life of legendary musician and Fresno State jazz teacher Brian Hamada

Brian Hamada sits behind his drum set (Photo courtesy of Joe Osejo Photography)

According to family, local jazz drummer, teacher, and musical mentor Brian Hamada passed away on August 10th, 2018. Brian’s daughter, Madeline Hamada said on Facebook, “For the past few years, my family has privately and quietly struggled through my dad’s battle against cancer. Whether you knew about our journey or not, we thank you for […]

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CineCulture, Filmworks present ‘Chasing Trane’ May 12

Fresno State’s CineCulture film series and Fresno Filmworks will present two screenings of “Chasing Trane” at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 12, at the Tower Theatre (815 E. Olive Ave.). This documentary feature explores the life, work, and influence of jazz icon John Coltrane. Featuring interviews with legendary musicians such as Carlos Santana, Wynton Marsalis, and Common — […]

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Jazz Bands in concert May 2 with trombone legend Andy Martin

Poster for Jazz Band concert

Students in the Fresno State Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra will perform with trombone legend Andy Martin at their final concert of the year at 8 p.m. tonight (May 2) in the Concert Hall. They will be playing music by Kubis, Brookmeyer and Sturm. This past weekend the Fresno State Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and Jazztet […]

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KFSR launches spring pledge drive

KFSR radio kicks off its spring 2017 pledge drive on Saturday, April 1. KFSR is a listener-supported, non-commercial public radio station licensed to and operated by Fresno State. KFSR plays the music you won’t hear anywhere else. KFSR is the only jazz radio in Fresno. KFSR is your exclusive home of the blues. All donations are tax-deductible […]

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Music Notes: Jazz groups to perform on March 20

Fresno State Jazz Band

Students in the Fresno State Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble will present a concert at 8 p.m. Monday, March 20, in the Concert Hall at Fresno State. The groups will perform the music of Woody Herman, Alan Ferber, Steely Dan, Fred Sturm, Bob Curnow and more. Each group comprises about 20 students, all of whom […]

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KFSR launches fall pledge drive

KFSR (kfsr.org/) radio kicks off its fall 2016 pledge drive on Saturday, Oct. 1. KFSR is a listener-supported, non-commercial public radio station licensed to and operated by Fresno State. KFSR plays the music you won’t hear anywhere else. KFSR is the only jazz radio in Fresno. KFSR is your exclusive home of the blues. All donations […]

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