The NIU Jazz Ensemble were featured at the historic The Jazz Showcase, 806 South Plymouth in Chicago on March 31.
Rodrigo Villanueva Conroy, director of the Jazz Ensemble said, “The show was an incredible experience for our students, and was a very successful show, very well attended, with the participation of many guests, including retired faculty member and former director of the NIU School of Music, Paul Bauer on bass trombone and Steve Duke on tenor saxophone. Steve is distinguished research professor and professor emeritus, who retired over a decade ago.”
Current NIU School of Music faculty Roosevelt Griffin was guest conductor and Geof Bradfield, professor of saxophone were on hand. As were many many well-known alumni: Lucas Gillan, Juan Pastor, Samuel Wyatt, John Tate, Ryan Nyther, John Moore, Gabriel Wade, Colin Dorion, Tyler Steege, Milan Blissett, Karli Bunn, Rob Nordli, and Sid Smith. They were joined by current students Isaiah Jones Jr., Georgios Moustakas, Daisuke Kamiuchi, Devin Mancera, and Andrew Clark.
The NIU Jazz Ensemble were invited to perform at this prestigious club by owner Wayne Segal after he listened to the Fall 2025 Jazz Ensemble concert featuring Jazz Studies piano faculty Mark Davis.
At the Jazz Showcase the NIU Jazz Ensemble performed an exciting and eclectic program featuring music by jazz icons: Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Sammy Nestico, Horace Silver, Bob Brookmeyer, Bob Mintzer, Gene Krupa, Mark Taylor, Les Hooper, and Benny Golson.
The NIU Jazz Ensemble concert, Thursday, April 16 will feature Gabriel Wade on trumpet. Wade is a former graduate assistant, member of the NIU Jazztet and winner of the 2024 Tom Williams Jazz Division of the National Trumpet Competition.
