**Jazz on the Plaza will be streamed live online at www.myjsutv.com**
The popular Jazz on the Plaza event at Jackson State University is set for 6:00-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 24.
In case of rain, it will be held at the Rose E. McCoy auditorium.
The concert will feature ensembles from the department’s jazz program, including Jazz Ensemble I, Jazz Ensemble II and Vocal Jazz Ensemble, as well as guest artists.
Those include: Russell Gunn, a trumpet player from Atlanta, Ga., and Kevin Ward, a trombone player from St. Louis, Mo.; and vocalist Trineice Robertson-Martin from Philadelphia, Pa.
The event is free and open to the public, according to Dr. Russell Thomas Jr., music professor and director of jazz studies at the Department of Music.
The program started informally about 15 years ago, Thomas said. Back then, young people didn’t seem to understand that jazz was a uniquely American and African-American form of music, he said.
“We had to do something to bring our jazz heritage to our young people,” he said.
The goal is to showcase performers and display the diversity and excellence of the music.
Both Gunn and Ward are former JSU students “who have gone on to make a name for themselves,” Thomas said. “They have web sites, you can look them up.”
The stage will be set up at the center of the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway on JSU’s main campus, 1400 John R. Lynch St. in Jackson.
“Bring your lawn chair and sandwiches and have a good time,” he added.
For more information, call the Department of Music at 601-979-2141.