Ashland University Jazz Orchestra makes its return on Oct. 19

ASHLAND, Ohio – The award-winning Ashland University Jazz Orchestra (AUJO), directed by professor of music Scott Garlock, makes its return Tuesday, Oct. 19, playing a “Jazz at the Nest” concert for the first time since the COVID pandemic began. The free public event, featuring a wide variety of selections, will take place in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center’s Eagle’s Nest at 7:30 p.m.

“Fresh from the darkness and struggles of COVID, this year’s band is making marvelous strides in creating the energy and execution that the public has come to expect from AUJO over the years,” said Garlock.

AUJO’s fall performances traditionally celebrate big band music from many eras and styles, including blues, R&B, standard swing era music and modern treatments of traditional songs with some cutting-edge forays.

Pieces in the program may include “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby” by Louis Jordan, arranged by Myles Collis; “Come Rain or Come Shine” by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, arranged by Patrick Williams; “Jersey Bounce” by Tiny Bradshaw, arranged by Sammy Nestico; and “Gentle Rain” by Luiz Bonfa, arranged by Lisa DeSpain.

Garlock noted that AUJO concerts “always bring standing room crowds, so plan on coming early to reserve your seats.”

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.