Renowned trumpeter to perform at Baker Jazz Festival

Baldwin City, Kan. — The 17th annual Baker University Invitational Jazz Festival kicks off at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, in Rice Auditorium with a free concert, led by J.D. Parr, Baker jazz ensemble director.

The concert features the Baker jazz band and Mike Bogart, a guest artist and trumpeter. Bogart was the lead trumpet for two years in Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau Band in the late ’90s before joining the Tower of Power, a legendary jazz and rock fusion band, for a nine-year stint as lead trumpet and trombone. Bogart has also appeared with such artists as Earth, Wind, and Fire, Aerosmith, and P. Diddy. His improvisational and high note skills will be showcased on both trumpet and trombone in the concert on such notable Maynard Ferguson hits as “Country Road,” “Hey Jude” and “Humbug.” The program will also include several other rock and Latin-influenced tunes featuring Bogart, the band, and Madison Wendt, a sophomore jazz vocalist from Chanute, Kan.

On Friday, Nov. 21, the Jazz Festival continues with competitive performances by 21 area high school jazz bands from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rice Auditorium. The bands will be rated and critiqued by Bogart and four other Kansas City area jazz musicians and educators. Award citations will be given to outstanding student soloists throughout the day and two scholarships will be presented to the exemplary individual performers.