NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University’s jazz ensembles will perform their first concert of the fall semester on September 30 at the Charles Johnson Theater. The event, conducted by Dr. William Richardson, will feature varied styles of jazz music, including pieces by Count Basie and Mary Lou Williams.

The concert is free and open to the public, beginning at 7 p.m. Additionally, the Northwest Jazz Combo, a select group of Northwest Jazz Ensemble members, will present an improvised performance starting at 6:40 p.m.

“Jazz concerts are a little less formal than a symphony orchestra concert or even a concert band or a concert choir performance,” said Dr. William Richardson, professor of music and conductor of the jazz ensembles. “If the spirit moves people and somebody stands up and does an improvised solo, generally once they finish their solos, audience members – if they want to – will clap.”

Earlie Braggs, a jazz vocalist trombonist and bassist, will perform as a guest and host a master class at 3 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building. Braggs has performed in Kansas City since 1975 with renowned artists such as Claude “Fiddler” Williams and Jay McShann. He has also toured Europe with the Illinois Jacquet Big Band and released his own album "It’s About Time" as leader of the Earlie Braggs Quartet.

Braggs’ visit is sponsored by the Department of Fine and Performing Arts with additional support from the Missouri Arts Council.

“Earlie is an outstanding jazz vocalist and trombone player,” Richardson added. “Folks don’t want to miss the evening performance with our talented student musicians and amazing guest artist.”

The Northwest Jazz Ensemble is an audition-based group dedicated to performing various styles of jazz and commercial music. It sponsors annual events such as the Northwest District Jazz Band performance and hosts numerous guest artists.

The Northwest Studio Jazz Ensemble introduces its members to jazz style and improvisation through four annual concerts. Enrollment is open to students of all majors without auditions necessary.

To learn more about Northwest’s musical ensembles and upcoming performances, visit .