CF’s Patriot Blues Jazz Band and Combo will perform the “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!” featuring special guest James Easter on guitar on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Charles R. Dassance Fine Arts Center at the Ocala Campus.

Delight in the classics of swing band music as well as some Latin, funk, rock and other contemporary jazz ensemble works. One such work, namely “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” by Gordon Goodwin, pays homage to the original film and an intricate, clever arrangement for big band. The CF bands continue to grow in skill as the works of Goodwin are considered among the most difficult to perform in the big band tradition. Additionally, attendees will enjoy the intricacies of jazz in the combo setting with the seven member Patriot Blues Jazz Combo and a special guest, New Orleans guitarist James Easter. This group specializes in improvisation and group musical communication, which will be interspersed throughout the concert.

Easter is a jazz guitarist and teacher based out of New Orleans. The guitar has been a part of his life since middle school and he was privileged to study classical guitar at Harding University and then complete a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of New Orleans. Between classical guitar, contemporary rock, and modern jazz skill sets, he performs weekly, takes time to teach private lessons, and continues to seek out new opportunities throughout the region.

Greg Snider, the CF Patriot Blues Jazz Band director, is currently the Visual and Performing Arts adjunct professor for saxophone, clarinet and jazz and directs the jazz band, jazz combo and saxophone ensemble. Recently he was awarded a Master of Music Education with a focus on jazz studies from the University of Florida. In 2014, he completed a Master of Music in saxophone performance, also at UF. In conjunction with his teaching schedule, Snider performs multiple styles of music on the saxophone ranging from classical works to rock, pop and jazz and can be seen playing regularly within the Ocala area.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-CF students. CF students, faculty and staff are free with CF identification. For tickets and more information, call the CF Box Office at 352-873-5810 or visit www.tickets.cf.edu. The box office is located in the lobby of the Fine Arts Center and is open Monday through Friday from 1-4 p.m. and an hour before show time.

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