UA JazzFest 2013 to celebrate swing this month

Cleveland native and swing master Ken Peplowski is coming to The University of Akron for JazzFest 2013: Back in the Swing! on March 19-22.

Peplowski, a clarinetist and saxophonist often compared with Benny Goodman, will join the UA School of Music's Jazz Program for concerts at Guzzetta Recital Hall and the Stage Door of UA's E.J. Thomas Hall. A performance with the UA Faculty Jazz Ensemble and a big band concert with the UA Student Jazz Ensemble, directed by Professor Jack Schantz, are part of the festival line-up.

"The man is magic," said Mel Tormé of Peplowski. "There have been too few clarinetists to fill the void that Benny Goodman left. Ken Peoplowski is most certainly one of those few."

Leon Redbone, Charlie Bryd, Madonna, Rosemary Clooney, Wood Allen and Peggy Lee are among the musicians with whom Peplowski has collaborated.

Peplowski is the Bittle Jazz Artists-in-Residence for UA JazzFest 2013. Now in its 11th year, the Bittle Jazz Residency Program was established by a gift to The University of Akron School of Music from Silver Lake residents Edward L. and Frances Yates Bittle. As the Bittle Artist, Peplowski will perform plus share his talents and expertise with UA music students during rehearsals, performances, master classes, and one-on-one lessons. 

Schedule for JazzFest 2013:

Tuesday, March 19

8 p.m.

Guzzetta Recital Hall

University of Akron JazzFest 2013's Student Showcase Concert #1: UA student jazz combos. Free.

Wednesday, March 20

8 p.m.

Guzzetta Recital Hall

University of Akron JazzFest 2013's Student Showcase Concert #2: UA student jazz combos and Jazz Lab Band. Free.

Thursday, March 21

7:30 p.m.

Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Hall

University of Akron JazzFest 2013's “Back in the Swing”: guest clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski and the UA Faculty Jazz Ensemble.A night of swing music in the intimate jazz club setting of EJ Thomas Hall's Stage Door. Open seating. $12; free for UA students with ZipCard. Beverages and light fare available for purchase. Doors open one hour before showtime.

Friday, March 22

8 p.m.

Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Hall

University of Akron JazzFest 2013's Big Band Concert: guest clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski and the UA Student Jazz Ensemble. The big band in full swing in the intimate jazz club setting of EJ Thomas Hall's Stage Door. Open seating. $12; free for UA students with ZipCard. Beverages and light fare available for purchase. Doors open one hour before showtime.