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 June Jazz concert series, which begin at 7:30 p.m. each Tuesday of the month, are performed on the lawn east of the Clock Tower. There will also be two special 20th Anniversary concerts, June 1st at the College Union Building and June 7th at the Concert Hall Theater. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets.

The concert schedule is as follows:

June 1—Peter and Will Anderson Trio
Special 20th Anniversary Concert
College Union Building, Badger Den

June 2—Jarrett Shedd
After attending AC, Jarrett completed his bachelor and master’s degrees in jazz studies at the University of Texas—Arlington. He plans to take some time to develop his music through performing, writing and recording.

June 7—Temple Jazz Orchestra with Ed Calle
Special 20th Anniversary Concert
College Union Building, Badger Den

June 9—Austin Brazille with Jim Laughlin Quartet
Although not an AC alumni himself, Jim returns to perform at June Jazz after a five-year absence.

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.

June 23—The Martinis
Members of The Martinis include AC jazz alumni, Chuck Alexander, who played bass at AC, and Carlos Casso, a co-director of the AC Jazz Ensemble.

June 30—Dustin Adams
Following his exposure to jazz at AC, Dustin went on to study and perform at the University of North Texas and in San Francisco. He currently lives in Denver. An accomplished pianist and drummer, Dustin remains active in the Denver area in all styles of music.

May 5, 2015