Critic’s choice

With three major VCU jazz ensembles set to perform, this Thursday evening
promises to exhaust and excite even the most enthusiastic of music critics.

The Fall Jazz Festival kicks off at 8 p.m. at the VCU Singleton Center for the
Performing Arts. The event is only $5 to the public and free with a VCU student
I.D. card. Three swingin’ groups – Jazz Orchestras I and II and the Jazz Faculty
Sextet – are going to be dishing out the beats.

The student-composed jazz orchestras will be performing songs arranged or
popularized by Oliver Nelson, Sammy Nestico, Quincy Jones, Count Basie, Charles
Mingus, Phil Collins and others.

Though students, their prowess on their respective instruments will be nothing
short of spectacular. Filling out one set each, the two big bands are sure to
impress.

The fourth edition of the festival wouldn’t be complete without the sublime
thrashing the faculty delivers. Veterans Antonio Garcia on trombone, Tony Martucci
on drums, Skip Gailes on tenor saxophone, Bob Hallahan on piano, Rex Richardson
on trumpet and Victor Dvoskin on bass are sure to stun and awe throughout the
roughly hour-long set.

Truly masters of aural dynamics, these accomplished musicians never cease to
amaze their audiences, from the eager novice to the most dedicated aficionado.

The W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts is located at 922 Park Avenue
on the corner of Park Avenue and North Harrison Street.