The University of Iowa’s Hancher will present Wycliffe Gordon on Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. at The Mill in downtown Iowa City. The earlier of these two “Club Hancher” performances is already sold out, but tickets remains for the later show.
Gordon will be in Iowa City for two weeks, working with students in jazz studies at the UI, holding workshops with high school jazz ensembles including a special recording session with Linn-Mar high school for KCCK’s Corridor Jazz Project, giving career-related talks at local elementary schools, and performing in several area churches.
A leading figure in jazz music today, Gordon will be accompanied at The Mill by Alvin Atkinson Jr. on drums, Adrian Cunningham on reeds, Nakamura Yasushi on bass, and Ehud Asherie on piano.
Born in Waynesboro, Georgia, Gordon was introduced to music by his father, a classical pianist and teacher. He began playing the trombone at age 12 and soon developed a passion for jazz. His career has included membership in extraordinary jazz groups such as the Wynton Marsalis Septet and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He has also been successful as a solo artist, performing and touring around the world. His joyous, traditional hard-swinging style can captivate audiences of all ages.
Gordon is also a prolific composer and arranger with over 50 recordings to his credit, on 17 of which he is the lead artist. His latest album, Hello Pops, is a tribute to Louis Armstrong, one of his most important musical influences. Gordon is a dedicated and inspirational educator, working in a variety of settings including workshops with students of all ages and teaching young musicians through his stylized technique called “Sing it First.” He currently serves on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music.
Jazz Journalist Association has awarded Gordon “Trombonist of the Year” nine times since 2001. He is a charismatic performer and versatile artist, characteristics he will display at The Mill by performing on both the trombone and the trumpet as well as singing.
Gordon’s performance and residency are supported by the Hancher Partners and gifts to the Hancher Circle through the UI Foundation as well as the Sara and Sherwood Wolfson Educational Fund.
Tickets for the 9:30 performance on Nov. 8 are $20 for nonstudents, and $10 for youth and college students.
The Hancher Box Office, located on the first floor of the south end of the Old Capitol Town Center near the parking ramp, 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 the Hancher website.Any remaining tickets will be available for sale one hour before show time at The Mill.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact the Hancher Box Office in advance at 319-335-1158.