Mason Jazz Ensemble to Play at Renowned Jazz Club
April 10, 2008
By Ryann Doyle
The Mason Jazz Ensemble has been invited to perform at Blues Alley, one of the nation’s premier jazz clubs, on Monday, April 14, for the 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. shows.
Located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., Blues Alley is the nation's oldest continuing jazz supper club. The club has showcased internationally renowned concert hall artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Grover Washington Jr., Ramsey Lewis, Charlie Byrd, Maynard Ferguson and Eva Cassidy in a small, intimate setting.
Michael Vitale, who plays first alto saxophone in the Mason Jazz Ensemble, is very excited about the gig.
“I think that in terms of Blues Alley, the history alone stands out to me. Just look at their menu and all the people who have played there,” says Vitale. “Every time I go to Blues Alley I am never disappointed because the talent that performs there is amazing, and for the Mason Jazz Ensemble to be playing there, is still wild in my head.”
Jim Carroll, assistant professor of jazz studies and director of the Mason Jazz Ensemble, says he is "blessed with the world’s greatest students" and that it is "a real honor to be asked to play" at Blues Alley.
The following students are members of the Mason Jazz Ensemble:
Saxophones
Michael Vitale, Alto I
Brach Cobb, Alto II
Dustin Mollick, Tenor I
Michael Marolda, Tenor II
Patrick Smith, Baritone
Trombones
John Lewis
Ryan Shumway
Kyle Schrotel
Kevin Hewes
Keenan Hartless
Trumpets
Charlie Mitchell
Ben Malick
Alan Smith
Patrick O’Connell
Rhythm Section
Charlie Himel, Bass
Shannon Fearon, Bass
Kenny Kohlhaas, Guitar
Vinny Oppido, Piano
Michael McGarity, Drums
For ticket information, visit the Blues Alley web site.