William Paterson University to Pay Tribute to Program Directors

  I  

The William Paterson University Jazz Room Series continues the celebration of its 25th anniversary season with a special program on Nov. 3, during which the William Paterson University Big Band will perform music written by the three directors in the jazz program’s history.

The concert, at 4 p.m. in Shea Center on the Wayne, N.J., campus, will include works by trumpeter Thad Jones, who directed the program from 1972-‘79. In addition, bassist Rufus Reid, who directed the program from 1980-‘99 and pianist James Williams, the current director, will perform their original compositions. Admission is $12, or $9 for students, faculty members and senior citizens.

For more information, go to www.wpunj.edu.



  • Al_Foster_Marketing.jpg

    Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.

  • kZYVcIag_copy.jpg

    Benny Benack III and his quartet took the Midwest Jazz Collective’s route for a test run this spring.

  • Theo_Croker_by_Bruno_Baretto.jpg

    To record Dream Manifest (Dom Recs), Croker convened artists from his current and recent past ensembles, plus special guests.

  • Kandace_Springs_by_Eli_Sethna_copy.jpg

    “There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”

  • James_Brandon_Lewis_by_Julien_Vonier_lo-res.jpeg

    James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.


On Sale Now
August 2025
Anthony Braxton
Look Inside
Subscribe
Print | Digital | iPad