Guest Artist: Brianna Thomas

Artists-in-Residence: Roy McGrath, saxophone Millie Ahearn, trumpet Henry Salgado, trombone Chris White, piano

Join the DuPage Community Jazz Ensembles for an unforgettable evening of jazz, featuring the incredible vocal talents of Brianna Thomas! This performance will pay tribute to the timeless music of legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Dianne Schuur, and Thad Jones, with Brianna Thomas contributing some of her own music as well! The ensemble will be joined by this semester's Artists-in-Residence—Roy McGrath on saxophone, Millie Ahearn on trumpet, Henry Salgado on trombone, and Chris White on piano. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of these accomplished musicians as they bring classic jazz to life in a vibrant and exciting performance!

Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, Brianna Thomas grew up surrounded by music. Her father, Charlie Thomas, not only influenced her with his own unique talents as a vocalist and percussionist, but he also created an exceptionally well-rounded musical environment that fostered Thomas’ emerging abilities. At the tender age of six, Thomas made her singing debut performing a duet rendition of the jazz classic, “What A Wonderful World” with her father. At the age of eight she won her first of thirteen trophies, all first place and overall, from various district and regional talent shows. Between the ages of eight and ten she had her first gigs performing for a variety of banquets, black tie affairs, and as a guest on local radio stations. It didn’t take long for people to notice her talent and potential.

Just shy of her teens, Thomas’ talents were discovered by distinguished jazz educator Mary Jo Papich. Soon after, Thomas toured Europe with the Peoria Jazz All-Stars, a big band under Ms. Papich’s direction. This was the beginning of her career as jazz vocalist. Thomas’ singing is deeply enriched by an understanding of the masterful voices of jazz past. Beyond a healthy serving of sass, Sarah Vaughn’s influence contributes to Thomas’ style the artistic savvy needed to communicate myriad moods and feelings as well as a keen instrumental perspective. Add to that a coyness reminiscent of Nancy Wilson, an Ella-esque skill and enthusiasm for scatting, and the stylistic breadth and vocal grandeur evocative of Dianne Reeves. Perhaps Thomas’ greatest asset is the soulfulness of her sound. Captivatingly unique, her sound moves in tones ranging from sweet invitations to assured convictions, establishing a personal and classic quality that leaves listeners swooning after her performances.

The DuPage Community Jazz Ensemble performs programs throughout the academic year as well as numerous off‐campus performances. The ensemble has accompanied guest artists such as Melissa Aldana, Wycliffe Gordon, Ignacio Berroa, Carl Allen, Dee Alexander, Fareed Haque, Jens Lindemann, Victor Garcia, and Mark Colby, is a frequent presence at the Elmhurst University Jazz Festival, has performed at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, and in 2004 was recognized by the United States House of Representatives for its work on behalf of the Armed Forces Children’s Education Fund. Its repertoire spans more than a century of large jazz ensemble compositions, including original work from members of the ensemble.

About the Director: Matt Shevitz is an in-demand musician in the jazz, blues, and popular music scenes of Chicago area. He has performed alongside such internationally renowned jazz musicians as Dick Hyman, Ignacio Berroa, Howard Levy, Frank Capp, and Frank Wess along with blues/roots rock guitarist Eric Lindell and Ropeadope Records artists Spare Parts. Shevitz has performed at Jazz in the Park Festival (Milwaukee), Waterfront Blues Festival (Portland), Chicago Blues Festival, Lollapalooza and House of Blues in Chicago.  Matt is a contributor to DownBeat Magazine since 2009 with articles analyzing transcriptions of great jazz solos as well as jazz theory and effective practice habits. Matt is a professor and the Director of Jazz Ensembles at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. He received a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance degree from the Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Master of Music in Jazz Pedagogy from Northwestern Univ. and a Bachelor of Science in Music from the Univ. of Oregon.