Miguel Zenón is one of today's most acclaimed saxophonists. Photo courtesy of Miguel Zenón

Miguel Zenón has collected a host of honors in his musical career. But on the concert stage, the only thing that matters is music—and Zenón delivers what All About Jazz calls “modern jazz at its very best.”

The University of Iowa’s Hancher will present the saxophonist in its “Club Hancher” format at The Mill in Iowa City On Thursday and Friday, Feb. 14-15. Performances begin at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Seating for those who wish to dine before the early performances begins at 5:30 p.m.

His 2011 record, Alma Dentro: The Puerto Rican Songbook, was named the number one jazz album of 2011 by NPR and was nominated for a 2012 Grammy for “Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.” His most recent album, Rayuela, features a quartet, similar to the one he will bring to The Mill in Feb. In 2008, Zenón garnered both the Guggenheim Fellowship and the MacArthur Fellow “genius grant,” a feat that was a first for a jazz musician. He is widely considered one of the most groundbreaking and influential saxophonists of his generation, and has also developed a unique voice as a composer. His music—often infused with a Latin flavor—combines precision with improvisation and runs the gamut from fiery to lyrical.

Zenón performance is the third of four Club Hancher events during the 2012-2013 Hancher season. On Saturday, March 2, the edgy jazz trio The Bad Plus will perform two sets at The Mill to round out the Club Hancher series for the season.

The remaining Club Hancher events are supported, in part, by a partnership with the Jazz Arts Group’s Jazz Audiences Initiative, with support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. They are also supported by the Hancher Partners and gifts to Hancher Circle through the UI Foundation.

How to get tickets

Tickets for Miguel Zenón are $25 for nonstudents; $10 for college students and youth (individuals under 19 may attend the early performances); and $22.50 for senior citizens. Tickets are available from the Hancher Box Office, located on the first floor of the south end of the Old Capitol Mall near the parking ramp. The Hancher Box Office is open for phone (319-335-1160 or 800-HANCHER) 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 Mill.