Internationally touring saxophonist to join college jazz groups for concert

Three SUNY Oswego instrumental jazz groups will present their annual fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, in Waterman Theatre, joined by a special guest in internationally known jazz saxophonist Dick Oatts.

The free performance will feature small group jazz, Latin Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, all directed by music faculty member Eric Schmitz. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

The New York City-based Oatts, in town for his Dec. 5 Ke-Nekt concert with the Oswego Jazz Project, will sit in with the Jazz Ensemble to perform arrangements of his original music, features written for him and classic charts by the legendary Thad Jones.

Born and raised in Iowa, Oatts joined the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra in New York. He has backed such vocalists as Sara Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald; performed as a sideman in small groups with Bob Brookmeyer, Red Rodney, Eddie Gomez, Ray Mantilla, Flim & the BBs, Lalo Schiffrin and others; and has recorded several solo and combo CDs.

For more information on the college's fall concerts -- and all events happening at SUNY Oswego -- visit oswego.edu/calendar.