The jazz does not just happen here in the city. It's all around us. Heads up that the New York City jazz artist Aaron Goldberg and the Aaron Goldberg Trio will be in residency during "Jazz Day" at SUNY Brockport on Friday, February 6th. The day-long event includes a symposium, “Jazz and its Evolution,” a master class for area jazz musicians of all skill levels, and a cocktail reception. The celebration of jazz will be capped by a concert by the Trio at The College's Tower Fine Arts Center Mainstage at 7:30 pm that evening. The Tower Fine Arts Center is located at 180 Holley Street in Brockport, NY.

Inspired by the rhythms of Brazil and Portugal, Goldberg is a rising star in the new generation of jazz artists. After attending the Berklee School of Music, Goldberg moved to New York City, where he has worked and studied with Betty Carter, Joshua Redman and Wynton Marsalis, among others. Marsalis has said that Goldberg is "a modern improviser of great clarity, finesse and dexterity.” Goldberg debuted as a bandleader and composer with the recording, Turning Point. About his most recent recording, Worlds, the Boston Globe raved “it's a gorgeous session that makes a compelling case for Goldberg's ensemble as one of the era's definitive piano trios.” There is more on the Trio's MySpace page.

This inaugural Jazz Day at SUNY Brockport is sponsored by the Marc and Ann Iacona Family. Iacona, President of Simcona Electronics Corporation, a Rochester-based company, is also the executive producer of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Iacona believes that “music education is critical to understanding the intricacies and nuances of jazz. Musicians and non-musicians alike can develop a passion and deeper appreciation for what they’re hearing through music education.” His generosity has transformed Jazz Day from an idea to a projected three-year commitment. Jazz Day is also supported by the Brockport Foundation. Events surrounding Jazz Day on the Brockport campus include:

• 10:45–11:45 am: Symposium: “Jazz and its Evolution” at Edwards Hall, Room 100/“Blue Room” (free & open to the public).
• 4:00–5:00 pm: Master Class in the Tower Fine Arts Center/Lobby (free & open to the public).
• 6:00–7:00 pm: Cocktail reception in Edwards Hall Lobby (Ticket required). The reception will feature an open wine bar and hearty hors d’oeuvres, including several new gustatory creations from the kitchens of Garnishes Catering. Edwards Hall is located across Holley Street from Tower Fine Arts Center.
• 7:30–9:00 pm: Aaron Goldberg Trio in Concert at Tower Fine Arts Center/Mainstage (Ticket required).

The symposium and master class are free and open to the public, and will be moderated by Goldberg. Tickets for the concert are $12/General, $10/Seniors, College at Brockport Faculty and Staff and $8/Students. A combination pass that includes entrance to the reception and the concert is priced at $25 and is available by phone at (585) 395-ARTS or at the Tower Fine Arts Center Box Office. Tickets for the concert itself can also be obtained at all Rochester area Wegmans markets.