BOISE, Idaho — The 24th annual Gene Harris Jazz Festival is now in full swing!
Organizers announced that two new virtual concerts are now streaming online.
You can watch Veronica Swift and Emmet Cohen, and The Bushwood Collective now through April 30th.
The Bushwood Collective was created in fall of 2020 as the result of four graduate music students at NYU moving in together at the border of Brooklyn and Queens. The Collective members have performed in such musical settings as the Blue Note, the Copacabana, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Williamsburg Music Center, and many others.
Each member of The Collective has an active teaching life outside of performing and teach at NYU, The Brooklyn Music School, and ProInHome Music Lessons, among other places in New York.
Veronica Swift has jazz music in her veins. The daughter of two jazz musicians, she toured professionally with them as a youngster, and recorded her first jazz album at age nine. Now in her 20s, she has become one of the most sought-after jazz talents. She has toured internationally, and has also made numerous appearances at legendary festivals and jazz clubs.
Emmett Cohen is an internationally acclaimed jazz artist known as one of his generation's pivotal figures in music and related arts. A Suzuki piano student at age three, he's now an award-winning pianist and composer who has performed in international festivals and headlined at several notorious jazz clubs. He's also a dedicated music educator.
All 8 remaining concerts will stream free of charge on the Gene Harris website.
Friday, April 9: The Bushwood Collective
Friday, April 9: Emmet Cohen/Veronica Swift
Friday, April 16: LeBoeuf Brothers
Friday, April 16: Alex Sjobeck Trio
Friday, April 23: Canyon County Connection
Friday, April 23: Boise State Jazz Orchestra
Friday, April 30: Boise State University Faculty Jazz-Tet
Fri., Apr 30: Boise State Music Alumni Spotlight
The Gene Harris Jazz Festival is committed to supporting and enriching music education in the Treasure Valley and across the state. Historically, this event brought more than 1,500 Idaho students to Boise State's campus to work with professional musicians. The virtual nature of this year's event will expand the reach of these opportunities and events to a global audience.
There are close to 30 different educational events scheduled throughout April, with sessions focused on topics like composition, improvisation, career development, rhythmic practice, history, and instrument-specific material. Schools can also adopt our month-long jazz curriculum that includes activities and assignments for students.
To get involved, click here.
Remembered as Boise's most famous jazz musician, Gene Harris was a pianist known for his soulful, warm style that infused the sounds of blues and gospel jazz music. In 1956, he formed a trio with bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Bill Dowdy known as The Three Sounds. The group recorded regularly for Verve and Blue Note until 1970.
Harris retired to Boise in 1977 and performed regularly at local venues like the Idanha Hotel. He later played with Ray Brown in the Ray Brown Trio and then led his own groups until his death in 2000. Harris passed away while waiting for a kidney transplant at the age of 66.
The Gene Harris Jazz Festival was formed in 1998. Harris drew some of the best jazz artists to Boise to perform for the public at night and work with aspiring musicians during the day. Over the years, the festival has brought artists including Dave Brubeck, Ramsey Lewis, Arturo Sandoval, Poncho Sanchez, Kevin Eubanks, and many more.
