EAT, DRINK, AND BE JAZZY

By Nikki Berglund
Contributing Writer

I do not claim to know a whole lot about jazz- but what I lack in jazz knowledge, I make up for in a strong fondness for food and wine events. If you have ever wanted to learn a thing or two about this genre of music, why not do so while enjoying a glass of wine and an Italian dinner? If this sounds enjoyable to you, check out next week’s FM Communiversity class “Jazz Improv 101” which will be taking place at the Speak Easy Restaurant in Moorhead.

In case you are unfamiliar with the FM Communiversity Program, it has been around since 1965 and is technically through Concordia College but is also in collaboration with NDSU and MSUM as well. According to the program’s description, their goal is to “provide intellectually stimulating, academic based, non-credit, and educational opportunities.” All types of classes are offered so if you’ve never glanced at a catalog, I highly suggest you pick one up
. Four well known jazz figures from the community will not only be teaching this course but also performing. Each member will be bringing their own individual flair to the class, creating a diverse jazz experience with a little something for everyone. This group of gentlemen includes Russ Peterson on lead saxophone, Bill Law on bass, Allen Carter on drums, and David Ferreira at the piano. Leading this menagerie of local jazz professionals will be Russ Peterson, who is best known to me as the principal bassoonist for the FM Symphony Orchestra but that is just the tip of the iceberg for this dude. An accomplished classical jazz saxophonist, bassoonist, and composer, Russ has performed throughout the United States and Europe. He has multiple CD’s out, and has performed with the legends of Ray Charles, Wayne Newton, Henry Mancini, and Frankie Valie and the Four Seasons among a whole list of others. Russ is currently an instructor of Saxophone, Bassoon, and Jazz Studies and can be seen performing around town in a variety of groups including Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome, the Hard-Bop Jazz Saxophone Quartet, the FM Symphony Orchestra and The FM Symphony Wind Quartet.

Dr Allen Carter is a drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger, and educator. As the Assistant Professor of Music at MSUM he teaches music theory, and drum set, along with courses in jazz studies and music industry programs. He has performed with such artists as Johnny Mathis, Ray Charles, Melissa Manchester, Harry Connick Jr and Glen Campbell. Besides all of this, he also owns his own company which develops interactive CD-ROM teaching tools for use by jazz educators and their students.Bill Law, an active jazz and pop bassist for over 25 years, is a well known professor of applied bass and jazz studies at NDSU. You may know him as the host of “The Law of Jazz” a PBS show on Saturday nights at 8:00PM. He’s played alongside many of the best touring jazz musicians, including Bob Mintzer, Tom “Bones” Malone, Louis Bellson, Clark Terry, and Bill Watrous. Along with a stint as Executive Director of the FM Symphony Orchestra, Bill also spent 2 years as President of the Lake Agassiz Arts Council. He is currently the Assistant Director for the Division of Fine Arts at NDSU.

Pianist, Dr David Ferreira, Professor Emeritus at MSUM is currently holding the position of Adjunct Professor of Music at Concordia College where he directs the vocal jazz ensemble. In his spare time he is the Cathedral Choir Director of First Lutheran Church along with performing in his own band, The David Ferreira Trio, which specializes in jazz standards, vocals, Latin, and originals. The Speak Easy will be providing a delicious sounding Italian dinner along with a complimentary glass of red or white wine. The entrée choices include veggie or beef lasagna, chicken fettuccini alfredo or a steak sandwich. This is an excellent setting to relax and get a little bit of culture while you are at it. All while doing things the FM Communiversity way which aims to “expand your thinking, test the limits of your imagination and experience learning like never before- in a setting free from tests, grades and papers.”

What: F/M Communiversity Jazz Improv 101
When: Tuesday October 25th 6:30 to 9:00PM
Where: Speak Easy Restaurant 1001 30th Ave S Moorhead
Cost: $45.00 per person
Contact: You must pre-register by phone only. Call 218-299-3434 to reserve your spot