Geri Allen Master Class at Trinity - A Multilevel Community Event

Left to right: James Buentello, Shea Adams, Marco Escobedo, Stephen Bennett

Geri Allen gave a wonderful master class at Trinity University on Saturday, February 18, as part of her residency with Musical Bridges Across the World. The free event was a collaboration between Trinity's KRTU, Musical Bridges, and the Alamo Colleges Jazz Mentorship Program.

Local students and performers were invited to bring their instruments. Elementary school students participated along with local professionals and, of course, our own Alamo Allstars quintet. Allen found a way for everyone to share with each other, whether performing a single-note drone, simple rhythmic pattern, familiar tune, or jazz standard. The afternoon was magical. Everyone left feeling excited and eager to play.

On Sunday, Feb 19, Geri Allen and her trio presented a concert at San Antonio College.  She recorded a radio interview with Bradley Kayser for his Jitterbug Waltz Hour show (Tuesdays 8-9 PM) on KRTU 91.7 FM.  During the interview, she spoke of her influences and spun records by some of her musical mentors.  The radio show is available online until 8 PM CST on Tuesday, February 29. Well worth listening to...

The next Alamo Allstars event on the calendar is a master class with Dr. Armin Marmolejo at Palo Alto College. Stay tuned...

Where's Geri Allen? Back row, fourth from the left...