From the Wilkes Art Gallery
The first annual Blue Ridge Art and Jazz Night will be held at Wilkes Art Gallery on May 11th from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Stop in to enjoy the jazzy groove of seasoned musicians from Watauga County, Educated Guess and the Todd Wright Quartet, and to view the Gallery’s current exhibition “Walk the Line” showcasing Caldwell County artists, Thomas Thielemann, Lynda Lea Bonkemeyer, Jenna Bailey, Laura Aultman, and the CCC&TI Printmaking Students. Admission is free to this event.
Educated Guess is an innovative and energetic fusion trio from Boone, North Carolina. Their improv-rich music is a unique blend of jazz, hip-hop, and rock filtered through the gospel upbringing of all three members. The trio works closely together to create trance-like grooves, otherworldly harmonic landscapes, and driving infectious funk. They are set to play from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Todd Wright, of the Todd Wright Quartet, is the director of jazz studies at Appalachian and teaches Jazz In American Society, Improvisation I and II, Jazz Piano, and directs Jazz Ensemble I. Wright also teaches applied jazz and assists with combos. He created the Appalachian Jazz Vocal Ensemble and directed it for ten years. In 2013 Wright was chosen Appalachian State University nominee to the UNC State Board of Governance in recognition of the O. Max Gardner Award, the highest award given by the Board of Governors. The award recognizes a member of the faculty of the Consolidated University of North Carolina “who has made the greatest contribution to the welfare of the human race.” He is the recipient of the North Carolina Arts Council Jazz Composers Fellowship Grant, Teacher of the Year (Hayes School of Music), and several community service awards. He has shared the stage with numerous jazz artists. Some include Dr. Billy Taylor, Joe Williams, Benny Golson, Clark Terry, Randy Brecker, Wycliffe Gordon, Ingrid Jenson and the Marcus Roberts Trio. He has performed in Europe, Brazil, Mexico and the Caribbean. Other jazz faculty include Andy Page, guitar; Ron Brendle, bass; and Rick Dilling, drums. Todd Wright, with the Todd Wright Quartet, is set to play from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wilkes Art Gallery would like to thank the sponsors of this event: The North Carolina Arts Council, The County of Wilkes, and The Town of North Wilkesboro.
For more information on The First Annual Blue Ridge Art and Jazz Night and other upcoming events, please contact the Gallery by phone at 336-667-2841. Wilkes Art Gallery is open Tuesday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Gallery is located at 913 C Street / Ward Nichols Way, North Wilkesboro, NC. Admission is free to exhibitions, openings, and community events.