Northwestern High School Jaz Festival - March 17, 2012

Drummer Matt Wilson and his band Arts & Crafts will perform at the 10th Annual Jazz Discovery Music Festival on Saturday, March 17th, at 7:30 pm in the Northwestern High School Auditorium in Rock Hill, SC.  

Matt Wilson is a world renown drummer who has made dozens of recordings as sideman, and has played on numerous national jingles and soundtracks. His resume includes work with a wide array of artists, including Dewey Redman, Ray Anderson, Bill Mays, Janis Siegal, Cecil McBee, Leni Stern, Fred Hersch, Michael Brecker, Dave Liebman, Ravi Coltrane, Mark Taylor, Sheila Jordan, Lee Konitz, Rufus Reid, Ted Rosenthal, Mario Pavone,  and Joanne Brackeen.  

His accolades include four consecutive titles as DownBeat critics’ “rising star” drummer”; “Best New Artist” by the New York Jazz Critics Circle; winner of the 2004 Modern Drummers reader’s poll; and nominations as the 2004 and 2006 Jazz Drummer of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association.

Also appearing on the concert will be the Winthrop University Jazz Ensemble with guest soloist Todd Wright from Appalachian State University.  Mr. Wilson will also perform with the Northwestern High School Senior Jazz Ensemble at 3:00 pm and the members of Arts & Crafts will present free instrument clinics starting at 3:45 pm.  

The festival includes performances by high school and middle school bands from across  North and South Carolina throughout the day as well as a performance by the Winthrop University Jazz Combo and a student jam session at noon.  All the school performances and clinics are free and open to the public.  Click here for more information.