Black History Month concert features jazz vocalist Barbara Morrison at SU Feb. 17

Black History Month concert features jazz vocalist Barbara Morrison at SU Feb. 17January 30, 2008Sara Millersemortim@syr.edu

The Central New York Jazz Arts Foundation and Syracuse University will again partner to celebrate Black History Month with an annual jazz cabaret concert. Back by popular demand is Barbara Morrison, Los Angeles jazz vocalist and cabaret entertainer, veteran of the international jazz festival and club scene and former main stage star at Syracuse’s Jazz in the Square festival. The event will be held in the Schine Underground in SU’s Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center Sunday, Feb. 17, from 4-7 p.m. Advance tickets are now available at the Schine Center Box Office; admission is $3 with student I.D., $5 for the public. Call the Schine Center Box Office for more information at 443-4517.

The cabaret begins with a showcase performance by SU’s talented gospel and jazz vocal groups, the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble and the Windjammer jazz vocal ensemble. Both groups will be coached in a master class earlier that day by Morrison, visiting artist faculty at the University of Southern California. Immediately following the showcase, Morrison will take the stage for a one-hour-plus show with her jazz quartet. Light finger foods and refreshments will be provided for this unique on-campus cabaret event.

Celebrating her 29th year in the music industry this year, Morrison has performed with a virtual Who’s Who of the jazz and the blues worlds, including legends Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, Ron Carter, Etta James, Esther Phillips, David T. Walker, Jimmy Smith, Johnny Otis, Dr. John, Kenny Burrell, Terence Blanchard, Joe Sample, Cedar Walton, Nancy Wilson, Mel Torme, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett and Keb’ Mo (Kevin Moore).

She has been featured on more than 20 recordings in almost every genre from traditional jazz and blues to gospel and pop. Her melodic voice, with its two-and-a-half-octave range, is known worldwide, as are her rich, unique, soulful and highly spirited interpretations of both familiar jazz and blues classics and original contemporary tunes. Most striking is Morrison’s ability to belt out down-home, soul-stirring blues.

Seating is limited in the Underground, which will be converted into a concert jazz club for the occasion.