“JAZZ AT WOLFSON PRESENTS”: A YEARLONG CELEBRATION OF MUSIC AND COMMUNITY

Written By Jonel Juste

Originally published on artburstmiami.com

Miami-Dade College’s Wolfson Campus will once again bring the sounds of jazz to downtown Miami with the 27th season of its “Jazz at Wolfson Presents” concert series. Running from September 11, 2024, to April 16, 2025, the series features ten free performances, offering a mix of jazz professionals and student musicians.

Since its founding in 1998 by Dr. Michael Di Liddo, a former jazz studies professor at MDC, “Jazz at Wolfson Presents” has been a fixture in the Miami music scene, attracting students, music lovers, and downtown workers for lunchtime concerts. According to Mark Small, the new program director, this series was inspired by MDC’s 1970s Lunchtime Lively Arts series.

“It’s a lunchtime respite for downtown workers who may not have the chance to attend cultural events,” says Small. “It’s been popular with seniors looking for daytime musical offerings, as well as a destination for school field trips, providing students with a cultural event that serves as a teaching tool and springboard for further discussions about art and culture.”

The 2024-2025 season launched on September 11 with a performance by the MDC Jazz Faculty Ensemble, led by saxophonist Mark Small. The season will feature monthly Wednesday noon performances, in addition to two evening concerts showcasing student ensembles. The lineup includes a variety of professional musicians, such as organist Jared Gold (October 9), vocalist Sachal Vasandani (November 6), and saxophonist Walter Smith (April 16). Student performances by the Wolfson Jazz Ensembles are set for November 7, 2024, and March 11, 2025.

According to Small, the goal of the series is to offer a broad range of jazz styles and experiences. “The series looks to bring artists from a wide variety of top professionals working in the jazz scene today, all with a background in teaching and mentoring,” he explains. “We choose from seasoned veterans who bring their vast knowledge of the history of jazz music to younger, cutting-edge artists who are blazing new trails musically.”

Part of the lineup is Haitian-American trumpeter Jean Caze, who will perform on March 12, 2025. Caze blends his Haitian roots with his American upbringing, creating a rhythmic and engaging sound. “Jazz at Wolfson Presents is a longstanding concert series that fosters community through free public performances,” says the jazz musician. “Miami’s vibrant diversity should be reflected in its concert offerings, and I’m proud to showcase my original Haitian-American music in this series.”

Caze’s performance will feature tracks from his upcoming album, set for release in early 2025. His setlist includes original compositions such as “Zale,” “Faith,” “Regardless,” “Issa,” and “Ureaus.” He promises an interactive and lively show, incorporating call-and-response elements, storytelling, and even teaching basic dance moves to engage the audience. “I hope people leave feeling not only entertained but also more connected to the Haitian culture,” he adds.

The series also provides a stage for MDC’s student musicians, including Galia Bermudez, a music education major who plays classical and jazz piano. Bermudez is part of the Wolfson Jazz Ensembles.

According to director Small, the Wolfson Jazz Ensembles consist of three separate groups of students who meet at different times within a single class called Jazz Ensemble. “They are small groups (5-7) in the tradition of jazz bands from the bebop era onward.”

Music student Bermudez shares, “The jazz ensemble prepares us by learning the different songs, from the rhythmic part and melody, as well as developing a harmonic analysis. It also gives us improvisation strategies and teaches us about the balance between the instruments, rhythmic precision, coordination between everyone, eye contact, etc.”

Under their professor’s guidance, the Wolfson Jazz Ensembles prepare for performances by studying jazz standards such as “Blue in Green” by Miles Davis, “Buzzy” by Charlie Parker, and “Maiden Voyage” by Herbie Hancock. Bermudez explains that the ensemble focuses not only on individual instrument techniques but also on the dynamics of playing together as a group.

For students like Bermudez, “Jazz at Wolfson Presents” is an opportunity to grow as musicians while contributing to the cultural capital of Miami. “It is very rewarding to play in a group and grow musically,” she says. “Playing Jazz at Wolfson allows me to have more experience playing in public, playing in a group, and achieving perfection in the songs. In addition, to enrich my repertoire and contribute to the cultural capital of the college and the city.”

“Jazz is an ever-evolving art form that embraces contemporary sounds and themes while honoring the masters of this true American genre,” says Small, emphasizing the significance of playing jazz today. “Improvisation and interplay in the moment is a hallmark of this music and can best be experienced at a live performance.”

As the season continues, “Jazz at Wolfson Presents” aims to attract a broad audience, from downtown workers seeking a midday cultural break to students and local jazz aficionados.

WHAT: Jazz at Wolfson Presents

WHERE: Miami-Dade College’s Wolfson Campus, 300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132

WHEN: Until April 16, 2025

COST: Free

INFORMATION: Jazz at Wolfson Presents

ArtburstMiami.com is a nonprofit media source for the arts featuring fresh and original stories by writers dedicated to theater, dance, visual arts, film, music and more. Don’t miss a story at www.artburstmiami.com.