The University of Iowa’s Hancher will present Dave Pietro at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 5 at the Englert Theatre in downtown Iowa City. An accomplished jazz saxophonist, Pietro will lead the evening accompanied by Mark Ferber on drums, John Hébert on bass, and David Berkman on piano, with special appearances from members of the UI Jazz Studies program. The performance features new songs called Iowa Memoirs, inspired by his trips around the state.

Named “one of the most appealing alto sounds in jazz” by Jazz Times Magazine, Pietro has been an active player in the New York music scene for the past 20 years. He is known for playing lead alto sax with Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra but has also toured extensively with the bands of Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, Maria Schneider, and The Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. He has performed at jazz clubs, festivals, and concert halls in more than 30 countries throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America.

Currently a jazz studies professor at New York University, Pietro has a passion for teaching and working with students. He has been working in Iowa throughout Hancher’s 2011-2012 season with week-long engagements in November, January, February, and April. Much of his residency was spent coaching different jazz ensembles around the state and recording with the Linn-Mar High School jazz band for KCCK’s Corridor Jazz Project.

Pietro is also a gifted composer, writing many new works inspired by legends like Stevie Wonder and drawing from Brazilian and Indian influences through extensive study in those countries. He received funding from Chamber Music America’s New Works Program to research and to compose his 2008 work Chakra Suite. Pietro’s performance on April 5 will feature a new set of five songs called Iowa Memoirs, inspired by his trips to various parts of the state. Song titles include “Sunrise on the Muscatine Highway,” “The Sanctuary,” and “Heartland.”

There will be a pre-performance discussion in the Douglas and Linda Paul Gallery on the second floor of the Englert Theatre at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 5, with Pietro. He will focus the discussion on his new compositions. Limited seating is available.

Tickets are $30/25 for the general public; $27/10 for college students; $27/22.50 for senior citizens; and $15/12.50 for youth from the Hancher Box Office.

The Hancher Box Office, located on the first floor of the south end of the Old Capitol Mall near the parking ramp, is open for phone (335-1160 or 800-426-2437) or walk-up business from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Tickets may be ordered online at www.hancher.uiowa.edu. Any remaining tickets will be available for sale one hour before show time at the Englert Theatre.