MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Moore at 847-491-4819 or jkm229@northwestern.edu

May 17, 2005

Saxophonist Liebman to Perform at Jazz Fest

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Northwestern University will welcome renowned saxophonist Dave Liebman to its annual spring Jazz Fest at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21.

The jazz concert will be held at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus.

Liebman, one of the leading saxophonists in contemporary music, began his career in the early 1970s with the legendary Elvin Jones and Miles Davis groups. He since has led his own ensembles and has performed with top jazz artists including guitarist John Scofield, drummers Adam Nussbaum and Billy Hart, and pianist Richie Beirach.

Founder and artistic director of the International Association of Schools of Jazz, Liebman serves on the board of advisers for Jazz Improv magazine and teaches at the Manhattan School of Music in New York. His many distinctions include an honorary doctorate from the Sibelius Academy in Finland, a 1998 Grammy Award nomination for Best Jazz Solo for the recording of “My Favorite Things” from “Thank You, John” (Arkadia Records), and his 2000 induction into the International Association of Jazz Educators Hall of Fame for his contributions to jazz pedagogy.

During the May 21 concert, Liebman will be featured in performances by Northwestern’s Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band and Jazz Combos conducted by School of Music faculty members Don Owens and Daniel J. Farris. The combo coordinator is faculty member Joel Spencer.

Concert tickets are $10 for the general public; $7 for senior citizens and Northwestern faculty and staff; and $4 for students.

For tickets, call the Pick-Staiger Ticket Office at (847) 467-4000. For more information, call Pick-Staiger at (847) 491-5441. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.pickstaiger.com.