2008-2009 Concert Season

Guest Artist Series
Sunday Matinee Series

INTERNATIONAL CONCERT SERIES

See pictures from this concert.

Sammy Figueroa
Latin Jazz Percussionist
 Friday, September 12, 2008 – 7:30 PM

Musical Excursions is excited to present two-time Grammy® nominated percussionist Sammy Figueroa as the Grand Opening concert for the 2008-2009 International Concert Series. Legendary percussionist Sammy Figueroa is considered to be one of the great musicians of the world. He has played with jazz legendaries, such as Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins. Figueroa has recorded and performed with Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, David Bowie, Celine Dion, Blues Traveler, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, and countless other pop, R&B, and jazz stars. In addition to his virtuosity on various percussion instruments, Figueroa is known for his warm personality and ebullient humor.  Figueroa will be performing with his band, the Latin Jazz Explosion, one of the most dynamic and inventive Latin jazz groups around. Latin Jazz Explosion released its first album in 2006, “…And Sammy Walked In”, which received a Grammy® Nomination in 2006 for Best Latin Jazz Album. The six-member band consists of: Silvano Monasterios, keyboard; Gabriel Vivas, bass; Alexander Pope Norris, trumpet; John Michalak, saxophone; Goetz Kujack, drums; and Sammy Figueroa, percussion. Join us for a night of exciting Latin jazz at its best!

On his new album. “The Magician, percussionist Sammy Figueroa advances a bright ideal of Latin Jazz.”  -- The New York Times

Alam Kahn – (Indian)
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Friday, November 21, 2008 – 7:30 PM           

ALAM KHAN ON SARODE
DEBORIYO SARKAR ON TABLA
MANIK KHAN ON TANPURA

Alam Khan comes from an impressive pedigree of extraordinary musicians dating back to the 16th century. Taking the family legacy seriously, Alam learned a craft that takes 12 years to begin to understand, and considerably more years to master. Sarode is a tradition that dates back to the 16th century musician Ustad Wazir Khan, court musician of Emporer Akbar. Sarode has been handed down through an unbroken chain of musicians, most of which were family. Alam began his journey to master sarode at age 13, when he enrolled in an independent high school so he could direct his energy towards classical music training and touring with his father, Swara Samrat Ali Akbar Khan. Alam is accompanied by Debopryo Sarkar, tabla; and Manik Khan, tempura. Please join us for this truly remarkable performance by masters of their crafts!

Hot Club of San Francisco (Gypsy Jazz)
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Monday, January 26, 2009 – 7:30 PM

“One of the most cohesive and entertaining gypsy swing bands in the U.S.”  -- San Francisco Chronicle
The Hot Club of San Francisco is an ensemble of accomplished and versatile musicians celebrating the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli’s pioneering Hot Club de France. The ensemble borrows the all-string instrumentation of violin, bass and guitars from the original Hot Club, but breathes new life into the music with innovative arrangements of classic tunes and original compositions. Hearing the ensemble live, or on any of their ten albums, carries the listener back to the 1930’s and to the small, smoky jazz clubs of Paris or the refined lounges of the famous Hotel Ritz. Often called gypsy jazz, the music of The Hot Club of San Francisco has entranced audiences around the globe for over 10 years. From festivals in Mexico and France to concert halls across North America, The Hot Club of San Francisco keeps this historic music fresh and alive.

All Musical Excursions concerts are presented in the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall at the University of New Orleans.

General Admission: $24.00 UNO Faculty/Students & Senior Citizens: $12.00 

For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Department of Music at 504-280-6789 or e-mail us at musicalexcursions@uno.edu

Tickets for individual concerts are available at the box office and advance purchases are encouraged.

Updated September 8, 2008