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William Paterson Jazz Orchestra to Perform on Jazz Room Series with Vibraphonist and Composer Steve Nelson at William Paterson on March 9

Acclaimed vibraphonist and composer Steve Nelson will perform with the William Paterson Jazz Orchestra on the spring 2014 Jazz Room Series at William Paterson University in Wayne on Sunday, March 9, 2014, at 4 p.m. in the Shea Center for Performing Arts on campus.

Prior to the concert, Nelson will be the guest for “Sittin’ In,” an informal discussion about jazz, at 3 p.m. in Shea Center 101. Admission is free to all Jazz Room ticket holders. Tickets are available in advance at the Shea Center Box Office at 973.720.2371 or wp-presents.org for $15 general, $12 for senior citizens and William Paterson faculty, staff and alumni, $8 non-William Paterson students and free for William Paterson students. There will be an additional $3 charge per ticket purchased on show day.

The concert will feature graduate student arrangements of Nelson’s compositions written especially for this performance. William Paterson faculty member Bill Mobley’s arrangements of compositions by the late Mulgrew Miller, who directed William Paterson’s jazz program, will also be featured.

Born in Pittsburgh, Nelson has recorded and performed with many jazz musicians, including Miller. Often documented for his versatility, he is now considered a jazz veteran. Collaborations with musicians like Kenny Barron and Bobby Watson, and his inclusion in Dave Holland’s acclaimed Quintet make Nelson a highly recognized musician in the jazz industry.

Launched in 1978, the Jazz Room is one of the largest and most prestigious college-sponsored jazz events in the country. Performers include renowned professionals who encompass the complete spectrum of jazz, as well as William Paterson’s own student ensembles. The series has won numerous grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for its innovative programming.