Kirkwood Jazz Transit and RSVP performs spring concert
Kirkwood Community College’s student jazz vocalists take the stage once again for a Spring Fling themed concert on April 16. The RSVP and Jazz Transit groups will present music from many well-known composers in Ballantyne Auditorium starting at 7:30 p.m.
Under the direction of Ray Salucka, Kirkwood RSVP will perform a dozen-plus popular a cappella works from Paul Simon, James Taylor, Ray Charles and more. Some of the tunes will feature rhythm accompaniment from Salucka at the piano; Ben Henzgen, bass; and Dennis McPartland, drums.
The concert includes Jazz Transit performing “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” and “Hide and Seek,” arranged by Kerry Marsh. Marsh was a guest artist and clinician at Kirkwood last year. He believes Kirkwood Jazz Transit and RSVP are “highly respected” musical groups with an immense amount of talent.
“There’s a strong vocal music and vocal jazz scene in [Iowa], and Ray Salucka and his two excellent groups from Kirkwood, Jazz Transit and RSVP, are a huge part of it,” said Marsh. “Some really extraordinary singing took place, with a wide variety of repertoire.”
Kirkwood’s vocal jazz groups have built a renowned reputation in college performance circles, with invitations to perform at jazz festivals in the Czech Republic and Switzerland in the past decade. The RSVP and Jazz Transit ensembles have also earned awards and honors in competitions from California and Colorado to New York.
Tickets for the April 16 Vocal Jazz Concert are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and students with current ID. Kirkwood employees and students are admitted free. For advance tickets, please call (319) 398-5899 ext. 4331.