Accomplished jazz pianist, composer and educator

BOWLING GREEN, O.—Bowling Green State University’s College of Musical Arts celebrates Jazz Week with a visit from acclaimed pianist, composer and educator Arturo O’ Farrill.

O’Farrill will have a busy schedule starting with a master class at 4 p.m. March 24 in Kobacker Hall of Moore Musical Arts Center followed by a performance with the Faculty Jazz Group at 8 p.m. in Bryan Recital Hall of Moore Center.  On March 26, O’Farrill will participate in high school Jazz Day clinics at Kobacker Hall and will perform with the Jazz Lab Band I at 8 p.m. in the same location.

“He brings a different perspective in jazz, coming from an Afro-Cuban tradition,” said David Bixler, an assistant professor in Jazz Studies. “We do a more mainstream form, and he will provide a new angle both musically and culturally, which is good for students in the Midwest.”

“This will be a great experience for both the students and faculty of the Jazz Studies area,” explained Jeff Halsey, a professor and director of Jazz Studies. “O’Farrill is one of those rare individuals who bridges Latin-influenced music with mainstream jazz, and he is a powerful piano performer and bandleader.”

O’Farrill was born in Mexico and grew up in New York City. He created the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and was Grammy nominated in 2006 for his debut album “Una Noche Inolvidable.”  In 2003, he was awarded the Latin Jazz U.S.A. Outstanding Achievement Award.

As a solo artist, O’Farrill has worked with a number of well-known jazz artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis and Harry Belafonte.

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 Editor’s Note:  Journalists can contact Jennifer Sobolewski, Office of Marketing and Communications, at 419-372-8582 or David Bixler, at 419-372-2953

(Posted March 08, 2010 )