Memphis Vocal Arts Ensemble, ASU Jazz Band present music of WWII March 29

March 20, 2008 -- The Memphis Vocal Arts Ensemble (MVAE) partners with Arkansas State University and the ASU Jazz Band to present a salute to the men and women who fought to preserve our freedom during World War II. Their combined concert, “Music of the Greatest Generation” is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. in Riceland Hall, Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive, Jonesboro. Seats will be set aside free of charge for World War II veterans to attend as honored guests.

The ensembles will present a nostalgic hit parade from those war years. Selections will include “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Tuxedo Junction,” “White Cliffs of Dover,” “I’ve Got A Gal in Kalamazoo,” “I’ll Never Smile Again,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

The ASU Jazz Band personnel includes: vocals, Kari Rickman of Jonesboro; alto saxophones, Claire Richardson of Jonesboro and Michael Newson of Memphis, Tenn.; tenor saxophones, Daniel Rickman and Allen Adcock, both of Jonesboro; baritone saxophone, Adam Leslie of Jonesboro; trombones, Matt Strawbridge, Kade Holliday, and Treavor Mitchell, all of Jonesboro, and Jon McAlister of Marion; trumpets, Joseph Curtis of Trumann, Antonio Sparks of Jonesboro, and Lara Spain of Wynne; vibes and piano, Janet Rooney of Trumann; piano, Mauricio Dixon of Wynne, bass, Kevin Cremeens of Jonesboro; drums and vocals, Perry Harper of Paragould and Jamel Alford of East St. Louis, Ill.

Tom Machen, general director for MVAE, says, “This concert has special meaning to me because my dad was one of those young people who risked everything so that we could live in freedom. I consider this my tribute to my beloved father and our tribute to all the brave guys and gals who put it on the line for us all those years ago.”

Tickets will be $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, students and children and $5 for ASU students. Proceeds from the tickets will benefit the Bill Bell Scholarship for jazz students at ASU.

To purchase tickets, please contact the ASU music department at (870) 972-2094. For more information on the Memphis Vocal Arts Ensemble, visit www.mvae.org.

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