Emerson Hunton Trio composite©Andrea Canter

by Andrea Canter

  On Dec. 15 at the Artists’ Quarter in St. Paul, the TCJS Young Artists Series continues with the Emerson Hunton Trio. The student ensemble plays from 7 to 8:15 p.m.

  TCJS initiated the Young Artists Series about two years ago to give young jazz artists (middle school through college level) the opportunity to perform in a top venue, and to give jazz audiences the opportunity to hear the exemplary talents of Twin Cities area youth. Student musicians perform approximately six times per year at the Artists’ Quarter.

by Andrea Canter

  On Dec. 1 (7:30 p.m.), the Twin Cities Jazz Society and KBEM’s “Big Band Scene” will present the Nova Contemporary Jazz Orchestra in “Stan Kenton’ s 100th Birthday Celebration CD Release Party.” Part of the TCJS “Jazz from J to Z” season, the festivities take place at the Minnetonka High School Performing Arts Center (8375 Highway 7). The opening set of the concert will feature Kenton music performed by the Minnetonka High School Jazz Ensemble I.

  Directed by Mike Krikava and sponsored by the nonprofit Nova Jazz Corporation, the Nova Contemporary Jazz Orchestra (NCJO) performs throughout the metro area and beyond, frequently drawing from the compositions of band members and commissioned works from composers like Dan Cavanagh, Steve Devich, John Guari and Greg Stinson. NCJO performs monthly (last Tuesday of the month) at the Shorewood in Fridley, and has eight recordings, including its brand new Dance to Be-Bop, released in October. The musicians in the current edition of NCJO include Bob Byers, Bill Burton, Mike Krikava, Kari Musil and Paul Peterson (saxophones); Mike Larson,  Craig Lawless, Ike Wagner and Chris Wiley (trombones); John Ahern, Sten Johnson, Graham Martin and Tim Martin (trumpets); John Hyvarinen (guitar); Bruce Pedalty (piano); Pete Carstad (bass); and Dave Perry (drums).