Jazz at Holmes Summer Series

Free concerts begin June 11 with Linda Presgrave Quintet

The Linda Presgrave Quintet will launch Washington University’s summer Jazz at Holmes Series with a free concert from 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 11.

The series, which was begun in 1996, features professional jazz musicians from around St. Louis and abroad performing in Holmes Lounge — a casual, coffeehouse-style setting — most Thursday evenings throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Linda Presgrave

The Linda Presgrave Quintet will launch the summer Jazz at Holmes Series June 11.

“We’re delighted that Jazz at Holmes has become a year-round — and much anticipated part — of the St. Louis music scene,” says Steve Ehrlich, associate dean for academics in University College in Arts & Sciences, who helps coordinate the series. “In the summer especially, these top-flight musicians can really help keep things cool.”

Linda Presgrave is a pianist and former St. Louisan who now lives and performs in New York City, where she recently released her debut CD, In Your Eyes, on the Metropolitan Records label. Presgrave’s quintet includes her husband, Stan Chovnick, on soprano saxophone, along with trumpeter Randy Holmes, bassist Dave Tronsoso and drummer Jim Guglielmo.

Jazz at Holmes will continue June 18 with Curt Landes (a.k.a. Gaptoof), the St. Louis pianist and vocalist. Next up, on June 25, will be the Legacy Jazz Quintet with Phil Dunlap. The performance will feature Dunlap on piano along with saxophonist Jason Swagler, trumpeter Anthony Wiggins, drummer Mary Morrison and bassist Jahmal Nichols.

Trumpeter Dawn Weber will perform with her group July 9. Though known for performing a combination of jazz and urban soul music, Weber also has performed with with orchestras throughout the United States, including the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Then, on July 16, trombonist Wayne Coniglio — a former bass trombonist for the Ray Charles Orchestra — will perform with his ensemble.

The Jazz at Holmes summer series will conclude July 23 with the quartet of pianist Nathan Jatcko.

All concerts are free and open to the public. Holmes Lounge is located in Ridgley Hall, on the west side of Brookings Quadrangle, near the intersection of Brookings and Hoyt drives.

For further information, call Sue Taylor at (314) 862-0874 or email staylor@wustl.edu.

Jazz at Holmes sponsors include: the College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Residential Life, Student Union, University College and Summer School, Congress of the South 40, Office of Student Activities, New Student Orientation, Department of Music and Michael Cannon, executive vice chancellor and general counsel.

JAZZ AT HOLMES SUMMER SCHEDULE

June 11: Linda Presgrave Quintet

June 18: Pianist-vocalist Curt Landes

June 25: Legacy Jazz Quintet with pianist Phil Dunlap

July 9: Trumpeter Dawn Weber and her group

July 16: Trombonist Wayne Coniglio

July 23: Quartet of pianist Nathan Jatcko