The swingingest place to be on Tuesday nights in June has long been Amarillo College, and June Jazz will not disappoint in 2015 as five Tuesdays dot the June calendar, giving folks maximum opportunity to enjoy free Tuesday night concerts on the Washington Street Campus.
But what will make June Jazz even more special this go-round is the return of several alumni of the AC Jazz Program who will participate in the summertime tradition, which is marking its 20th year at AC – a literal score.
“Twenty years is a milestone that we wanted to acknowledge in a special way,” Dr. Jim Laughlin, professor of music and June Jazz organizer, said. “Bringing back AC Jazz Band alumni from around the country to perform is our way of saying thanks to all the musicians who have taken part in this tradition.
“It also sets up a great lineup of concerts for music enthusiasts who agree that good jazz and fine summer evenings go hand in hand.”
The free concerts, which begin at 7:30 p.m. each Tuesday of the month, are performed on the lawn east of the Clock Tower. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets.
The concert schedule is as follows:
June 16—Marlin McKay
After attending AC, Marlin completed his undergraduate studies in jazz performance at the University of Wisconsin—Stevens-Point. He went on to complete his master’s degree in jazz performance at Indiana University, where he now teaches. His recent release of “The Look,” his second jazz album of original music, has received excellent reviews from jazz critics.