The Caltech Jazz Bands, directed by William Bing, presents their 13th Annual Jazz Festival featuring soloist Kirsten Edkins. This event will take place on Saturday, April 13 from 1-5 PM at Gates Annex Patio on the Caltech campus.
Featured soloist will be saxophonist Kirsten Edkins, who graduated from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. An inspired improvising jazz musician, Ms. Edkins has performed with Arturo Sandoval, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Geoffrey Keezer, Gary Foster, Joe LaBarbara, Larry Koonse, New York Voices, and Wycliffe Gordon among others.
In addition to her jazz performances, Ms. Edkins has performed with such diverse popular artists as Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, Anita Ward, Gloria Gaynor and a host of others. She has appeared on the television in American Idol, Duets, The Voice, Knight Rider, Glee, Bones and the Tonight Show with vocalist Katherine McPhee. Ms. Edkins is also in demand as a highly motivating music educator, including associations with the Stanford Jazz Workshop, Occidental College, Cal State Fullerton, Saddleback College, Golden West College and her own private studio, which has encouraged young musicians for over 14 years. Kirsten is the Director of Community Outreach for the American Jazz Institute. Her album is coming out later this year, with all original material featuring Larry Goldings, Mark Ferber, Bob Sheppard, and Ryan Dragon. Further details can be found on her website atkirstenedkins.com.
Other featured musicians at the Caltech Jazz Festival include guitarist Glenn Hair, the Nick Broten Band, Chris Rolontz, Zucky Zeidner, and the Caltech Jazz Band.
Admission is free and no tickets are required. Some seating will be provided and audience members are welcome to bring food and blankets for a picnic on the lawn. For further information, please call Caltech Performing and Visual Arts at (626) 395-3295 or visit the Caltech Jazz Bands online at bands.caltech.edu.
