The Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society is hosting a concert Friday, Dec. 2nd at Roots HQ to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the organization.
The concert will showcase local jazz musicians like pianist Claudia Burson, guitarist James Greeson and drummer Darren Novotny, as well as the Jazz All-Stars Youth Ensemble.
Robert Ginsburg, founder and artistic director of the Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society, said the triennial concert is a full circle moment for the organization as both established jazz musicians and young players will be playing.
“So it’s kind of bookends for what was and still is the future of this music, which is the younger generation.” Ginsburg said.
The Jazz All-Stars Youth Ensemble consists of high school students from Northwest Arkansas that the jazz society educates on jazz repertoire.
Ginsburg said the society in the past has focused on hosting well-known jazz musicians and combining them with local musicians to showcase local talent.
“We decided we could do a concert series based on having a rhythm section and then I can bring in internationally known guest artists to play with them.” Ginsburg said. “Which would not only shine a light on our local talent but bring in people that are better known to compliment the series.”
The concert will be held at Roots Headquarters in the historic Guisinger House on Mountain Street in downtown Fayetteville, which has an intimate feel and limited seating of about 90 seats.
“It’s a room that’s filled with music, historically and currently,” Ginsburg said. “It’s got a great vibe, it’s the closest thing around here to a real jazz nightclub and I think it’s the perfect spot for the kind of event that we’re having.”
Tickets to the concert for nonmembers are $35 and members and financial supporters get one free ticket. Tickets can be purchased at digjazz.com.
“For 30 years we have really been at the forefront of this music, in all of its forms.” Ginsburg said. “Not only touring groups, better known groups, groups like Pat Metheny and more household names but also again shining a spotlight on the world-class talent that we have in Northwest Arkansas.”