WHAT TO EXPECT
The ensembles of the Valley Jazz Cooperative’s main educational program (grades 8-12) share the Ravenscroft Hall stage for a final time this season. Joining the Sapphire Ensemble (led by Paul Brewer) and the Cerulean Combo and Indigo Big Band (both under the direction of Russell Schmidt) is special guest artist Kris Johnson. This year’s Spotlight concert will feature an exciting and wide-ranging program, including musical selections from Duke Ellington, Paul Ferguson, Freddie Hubbard, Thad Jones, Wayne Shorter, and more!
ABOUT THE GUEST ARTIST
Kris Johnson is a trumpeter, composer, arranger, film composer, and educator based in Detroit, Michigan. Kris’s professional career is expansive for an artist so young, including: composing several musicals, including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical; scoring films, such as the Emmy-nominated web series King Ester; producing successful personal projects, such as The Kris Johnson Group, and #looptherapy; and serving as the Founder and Director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band through the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
With contributions to six GRAMMY-nominated albums as a trumpeter and arranger, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra, Kris is a recognized force in the industry. His career highlights include touring globally as a member of Endea Owens and the Cookout since 2023, and with the esteemed Count Basie Orchestra from 2008-2019 as a soloist and arranger, performing at prestigious venues like the Apollo Theater, Hollywood Bowl, the Sydney Opera House, the Kennedy Center, and more. He has collaborated with such musicians as Tony Bennett, Wycliffe Gordon, Leslie Odom Jr., and Wynton Marsalis, as well as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, showcasing his versatile talent.
Much in demand as a clinician, Kris currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.
ABOUT THE VJC
The Valley Jazz Cooperative was founded in 2016 as an educational outreach of MSW Ministries. Through its various performing ensembles, supported by guest artist clinics and instructional workshops, the VJC creates a nurturing environment for individuals to explore and develop their potential as creative beings through the medium of jazz and the art of improvisation. The program is offered free of charge to eligible, committed, passionate music students (grades 8-12). Learn more at ValleyJazz.org
RAVENSCROFT HALL EVENT INFORMATION
Lobby doors open at 1:00 p.m., and Ravenscroft Hall doors open at 1:40 p.m., following a student soundcheck. Choose from a fine selection of wine and craft beers, as well as non-alcoholic options, before the show. Light refreshments will also be available for purchase at the bar. No food or drink is permitted inside Ravenscroft Hall.
Cost for this event is $30.00 (adults) and $10.00 (for students). Please note that parking is free and abundant on-site at Ravenscroft. Get your tickets now to support great music from the students of the Valley Jazz Cooperative and special guest Kris Johnson!