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Jackson State University’s Jazz Appreciation Week, scheduled for April 8—13, will feature world-renown jazz artist Kim Waters and a “Battle of the Saxes” competition that will draw students from college campuses across the Jackson-metro area.

The “Battle of the Saxes” is presented by the university’s nationally-recognized jazz station, WJSU Public Radio. The annual concert has been a venue for WJSU to present unsigned and independent artists to the Jackson community. This year, students will compete for three monetary prizes totaling $1,200. Along with JSU students, competitors have been invited from Tougaloo College, Belhaven University, Millsaps College and Mississippi College.

The week also will feature “The Art and Practice of Jazz Improvisation,” a seminar by Dr. London Branch; a showing of the film, “Round Midnight,” and live music by JSU jazz musicians at various locations. The weeklong series is sponsored by WJSU and JSU’s Department of Music.

Waters will perform during the “Battle of the Saxes” concert  that begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Rose Embly McCoy Auditorium. He’ll also appear at a major donor reception.

Waters is a saxophonist, composer and producer who’s had several No. 1 radio hits and has sold more than a million albums. Waters is known as a key pioneer for melding jazz with R & B balladry into an urban jazz style. Waters also has demonstrated his ability to inject jazz into hip-hop and dance music through his best-selling “Streetwize” and “Da’ Hot Club” productions. Those concepts feature instrumental versions of hip-hop and R & B hits.

All the events are free except the “Battle of the Saxes” concert. The ticket prices are $20 for general admission and $35 for reserved seating. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, and a limited number of general admission seats are available at WJSU’s offices at the Mississippi e-Center @JSU.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their cell phones and mobile devices to vote for their favorite student performer during the “Battle of the Saxes.”

For more information about Jazz Appreciation Week, contact Gina P. Carter-Simmers at 601-979-8672.

The following is a schedule of events for Jazz Appreciation Week:

Monday, April 8

Jazz, Art and Poetry

A JSU jazz ensemble

Location: The Yellow Scarf

741 Harris St., Suite E, Jackson, MS

6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 9

Live at Lunch Series

A JSU jazz ensemble

Location: Mississippi Museum of Art

Noon – 2 p.m.

Wednesday, April 10

Jazz Movie Night

“Round Midnight” with Dexter Gordon

Location: Russell C. Davis Planetarium

201 E. Pascagoula St.

7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Friday, April 12

The Art and Practice of Jazz Improvisation, a seminar led by Dr. London Branch

Location: College of Education and Human Development, Room 100

Noon – 1 p.m.

Saturday, April 13

“Battle of the Saxes” Jazz Concert, featuring Kim Waters

Location: JSU Rose Embly McCoy Auditorium

7 p.m.  – 9:30 p.m.