February 24, 2011 — The California State University, Bakersfield Music Department is pleased to announce that iconic drummer/percussionist Jeff Hamilton will be the guest artist for the 35th annual Jazz Jam. Hamilton will join the CSUB Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Jim Scully for a concert featuring compositions and arrangements that Hamilton has made famous in the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra – a group that he co-leads with bassist/composer John Clayton. The festivities take place on March 11 with a clinic at 3 p.m. and a concert at 8 p.m. Both events will be held in the Doré Theatre on the campus of CSU Bakersfield.

The clinic is free and open to the public and it is expected that Hamilton will talk about his career, technique, improvisation and whatever else attendee want to chat about. "These opportunities to converse with legendary performers should not be missed", said CSUB Music Instructor Jim Scully. "Jeff is an amazing musician – nuanced, bombastic, swinging and he is a curator of an immaculate technical virtuosity. He has a lot to share with students of music from throughout Kern County. We hope they all join us for this free clinic."

The 8 p.m. concert will feature Jeff Hamilton playing classic arrangements from the Clayton-Hamilton book. Slated for performance are arrangements of Back Home in Indiana, The Jody Grind, Heart and Soul, Blues for Stephanie and others.

Ticket prices are: $15 (general admission); $12 (seniors [60+]); and $8 (students [w/ID], faculty, staff and alumni). Tickets will be available at the door beginning at 7 p.m. on the night of the concert.

Jim Scully, interim Director of Jazz Studies, is excited to host Hamilton. Said Scully, "I had the good fortune to play with Mr. Hamilton while I was in graduate school in a big band for one night. As a guitarist, I sat directly in front of the drums and the sounds that washed over me that night – from the intricate brush work, to the slamming swinging rhythms – just astounded me. I was happy to be able to bring him to CSUB so my students could have a similar experience. He is a stunning player – I hope Bakersfield comes out to hear just how stunning he is."

For more information, call 654-2511.