SCERA to Celebrate the New Year with BYU Jazz Voices, 1/8-9

Ten jazz soloists, selected by audition, will showcase the various sides of jazz when SCERA Center for the Arts presents BYU Jazz Voices in concert Jan. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in Showhouse II, 745 S. State Street in Orem.

"Expect everything from swing, modern jazz, Latin, acappella jazz and fusion jazz," says director Emily Merrill, whose undergraduate and graduate degrees are in jazz performance from the University of North Texas. "A lot of people say they don't really like jazz, but I suggest they don't really know jazz. The variety is expansive, and it will be a great concert with something for everybody."

The group is known for its tight harmonies, rhythmic accuracy and outstanding improvisational "scatting" abilities.

Reserved-seat tickets at $12 for adults and $10 for children (age 3-11) and seniors (age 65 and older) are available at scera.org, by calling 801-225-ARTS, at the SCERA weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.

A sampling of the night will include "Josie" by Steely Dan, "Joy Spring" from the bebop tradition, "Minuano," modern jazz from Pat Matheny, and Georgia's mellow state song, "Georgia on My Mind." Some selections will be performed acappella-style.

What audiences will hear is 100 years' worth of innovation, and the students and instrumentalists so polished, each will have a solo during the concert. In addition to singers, the group includes rhythm, piano, bass, drum and jazz guitar.

"My audition process was rigorous and only those with incredible voices were selected," Merrill says. "I am so proud of them and their work that each participant, both singers and musicians, will have a solo. Each deserves to be called a phenomenal musician."

"We are excited to have BYU Jazz Voices to open up a new year of entertainment at SCERA," says Adam J. Robertson, SCERA's President & CEO. "Prepare to be dazzled."

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