“Blue Lou” Marini might not be a household name, but his musical talents are well known and in high demand in the entertainment world.
One of the most sought-after session musicians on saxophone, flute and clarinet, Marini has been a member of Blood, Sweat & Tears, The Saturday Night Live Band and The Original Blues Brothers Band. He has recorded with such legendary artists as Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, The Rolling Stones, The Band and Steely Dan.
Marini will perform with the Tyler Junior College Jazz Ensembles in the annual East Texas Symphony Orchestra Jazz Spectacular set 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at Liberty Hall, located at 103 E. Erwin St., in downtown Tyler.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and are available at www.etso.org or at the door before the concert. The event is supported in part by TJC Jazz Ensembles, the UT Tyler Jazz Ensembles and the East Texas Symphony Orchestra with support from the Women’s Symphony League of Tyler.
“It’s always a thrill to have someone of Lou’s caliber to teach and perform with our student groups,” said Heather Mensch, TJC jazz band director.
“Many of our students aspire to be professional musicians, so it’s a phenomenal opportunity for them to work side by side with the pros, learning from and performing with one of the best in the business.”
TJC Jazz Ensemble 1 students and their hometowns are: Paul Arriola, Tyler; Blane Benson, Longview; Taryn Blackerby, Troup; Matthew Carter, Springtown; Michael Conrado, Canton; Dylan Criswell, Grand Saline; Collin Damskov, Tyler; Devin Gilbert, Tyler; Peter Merts, Springtown; Blake Smith, Round Rock; Austin Stanberry, Rockwall; Travis Tankersley, Tyler; Zachary Trimble, Whitehouse; Jesus Valle, Jacksonville; Brett Waggoner, Troup; and Jay Wooten, Longview.
TJC Jazz Ensemble 2 students and their hometowns are: Isaac Bernardo, Kaufman; Hayden Bethany, Mansfield; Justin Cooks, Tyler; Katherine Dean, Grand Saline; Andrew Fitzgerald, Forney; Jordan Juarez, Hudson; Ashley Levesque, Springtown; Victoria Martinez, Tyler; Patrick McClain, Lindale; Jonathan Olivares, Tyler; Colton Roberts, Bullard; Nick Schaefer, Canton; Jonathan Singleton, Jacksonville; Jace Thomas, Chandler; Bethany Walker, Brownsboro; David Wall, Springtown; and Cody Woods, Nevada.
For more upcoming TJC Cultural Arts events, go to www.tjc.edu/performingarts.