Oakland University Jazz Band to Perform with Vibraphonist Joe Locke

At 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 10, the Oakland University Jazz Band will take their show on the road to play in Detroit. It will be a big occasion for the student musicians as they share the stage with world famous vibraphonist Joe Locke.

The venue will be the MotorCity Casino Hotel's Sound Board, a 2,400-seat auditorium which hosts major artists.

Bill Bornstein, MotorCity's vice president of entertainment and theater operations, approached OU's director of jazz Miles Brown about a student-centered concert.

The organization was seeking a local arts collaboration. "It worked out really well," said Brown. "MotorCity Casino Hotel is an actively engaged civic partner that's dedicated to contributing to the Metro Detroit community."

The Detroit Civic Jazz Orchestra will also perform at the concert. The DCJO features Michigan's premiere young jazz musicians, who are coached by leading professionals in the field and use the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's facilities.

Joe Locke is one of the country's foremost vibraphonists and he has performed and recorded with a diverse range of renowned musicians. He's a soloist of stunning physical power and broad emotional range, as well as a composer and band leader. The Penguin Encyclopedia of Jazz notes, "In the select group of contemporary vibes players, Locke has claims to head the list," and Neil Tesser in The Chicago Examiner wrote, "Locke has secured a spot among the world's top jazz vibists - and one of the most popular. Without sacrificing his jazz integrity or intent, Locke still manages to engage even casual listeners with a mixture of edgy attitude and artistic purity."

The event is sponsored by The Judd Family Endowed Fund and MotorCity Casino Hotel. Tickets are $20 and $10 students. Onsite parking is free.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit motorcitycasino.com/SoundBoard. http://www.soundboarddetroit.com/.

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