Jazzathon, hosted by the AUJO, to take place Wednesday, April 20

ASHLAND, Ohio – The Ashland University Jazz Orchestra (AUJO) will host a Jazzathon on Wednesday, April 20, to raise funds for past and future trips that the ensemble takes. The group annually travels, including recent trips to the Notre Dame and Tiffin University Jazz Festivals, and also welcomes major guest jazz artists to the Ashland community.

Wednesday's Jazzathon will take place at different times of the day in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center’s Eagle’s Nest. All events are free and open to the public, and the AUJO gladly accepts donations.

Two jazz combos will perform from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. First, the ADHD Combo, consisting of AU students Maddie Fish, Jason Markley, Paige Kuchta, Jon Shilling and Iain McDonald, will play six selections, starting at 11 a.m.

Taking the stage at noon will be the TBD Combo of Kayin McDonald, Nickolas Schaffner, Matthew Long, Stephen Struckmann, Kris Farinet, Isaac Franks and Grant Vance. They will perform seven songs.

The entire AUJO will perform at 7:30 p.m. Among the 10 scheduled pieces in the program are “Countin’ Them Long White Lines” by John LaBarbera; Cole Porter’s “Easy to Love,” arranged by Patrick Williams; “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning,” composed by Bob Hilliard and David Mann and arranged by Billy Byers; “Jelly Roll Meets James” by Justin Haynes; “My Foolish Heart,” by Victor Young and arranged by Same Blakeslee; and “Saturday Night (Is the Loneliest Night of the Week),” by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne and arranged by Patrick Williams.

The AUJO is an award-winning ensemble, directed by professor of music Scott Garlock. It is made up of both music majors and non-majors and performs concerts and campus events throughout the academic year. Members must audition.

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.