URI to show some rhythm at its annual Jazz and World Music Festival Bassist Bruce Gertz highlights 3-day event KINGSTON, R.I. — March 22, 2001 — The University of Rhode Island will host its annual Jazz and World Music Festival from Thursday, April 5 through Saturday, April 7. All concerts will be held in URI’s Fine Arts Center and begin at 8 p.m. This year’s festival, a special collaboration of URI’s Music Department and Great Performances, features Acadian music and a finale by award-winning bassist Bruce Gertz. On Thursday, April 5, the URI Music Department will present North Attleboro High Jazz Ensemble directed by URI alumnus Jarrod Gorman, the URI Traditional Band directed by Gary Buttery, the Tuesday Night Big Band directed by Brian Sparks, and URI Jazz Combo directed by graduate assistant Dawn Chung and URI Director of Jazz Studies Joe Parillo. Tickets for the evening are $6 for general admission, $5 for seniors, and free for students. On Friday, April 6, Great Performances will present an energetic evening of Acadian music known as Grand Dérangement. This multi-dimensional experience incorporates theatre, dance, music and song and is comprised of four musicians and three nimble-footed female step dancers. It is an interesting fusion of traditional Acadian music, rock, jazz, and Louisiana and Irish rhythms guaranteed to entertain and stimulate any audience. Tickets for this performance are $15 for general admission, $12 for URI faculty/staff, $10 for seniors/groups, and $5 for children/URI students. Tickets are available by calling Great Performances Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at (401) 874-2627 or one hour prior to the performance at the Fine Arts Box Office. On Saturday, April 7, the three day festival will close with a performance by the URI Thursday Night Big Band directed by Joe Parillo. The band opens for renowned bassist Bruce Gertz and his all-star ensemble. Gertz has performed and recorded with such luminaries as Mick Goodwrick, Gary Burton, and Dave Brubeck. He has also won the Boston Music Awards “outstanding bassist” award for four consecutive years. He currently teaches at the Berklee College of Music and is in constant demand for concerts, workshops, and clinics throughout the U.S. and abroad. Appearing with Gertz, will be accomplished saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, pianist Alain Mallet, currently performing with Paul Simon, and drummer Gary Chaffee. Ticket prices are $6 for general admission, $5 for seniors, and free for students. For more information call (401) 874-2431. For Information: Jan Sawyer, 874-2116, Keith Marshall, 874-2116