Chris Botti Returns to Van Wezel Center This April

Trumpeter Chris Botti is returning by popular demand with an intimate live concert at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Wednesday, April 12th at 8PM. He has had four number one albums on the Billboard's Jazz Albums listings and received a Grammy® for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Impressions. Botti has firmly established himself as the world's largest selling jazz instrumentalist.

Botti seemed destined to become a musician from a young age. Born in Portland, Oregon, he was encouraged to pursue music by his mother, a concert pianist. When Botti was in the first grade, his father took the family to live in Italy for several years providing an early taste of the international world that would become his primary territory as a performing artist. When Botti was twelve, he discovered his love for jazz after listening to MiLes Davis play "My Funny Valentine." Davis' playing not only persuaded him to make a lifetime commitment to the trumpet, it also launched the affection for melody, space and balance that have been intrinsic aspects of Botti's musical vision.

After attending Indiana University, and studying with highly regarded jazz educator David Baker, great trumpet teacher Bill Adam, jazz trumPeter Woody Shaw and jazz saxophonist George Coleman, Botti moved to New York in the mid-'80s. He spent his early career constructing his skills in ensembles from the Buddy Rich Big Band and Frank Sinatra to Natalie Cole and Joni Mitchell. Throughout the '90s and into the new century, Botti played extensively with Paul Simon, and had an especially creative association with Sting.

Now a major artist in his own right, performing worldwide, Botti has found a form of creative expression that begins in jazz and expands beyond the limits of any single genre. Selling over than three million albums, he has established himself as one of the most innovative figures of the contemporary music world.

Tickets are $36-$76. Purchase at VanWezel.org, the Box Office, or by calling 941-953-3368.