NORMAN -- Marcus Belgrave may not be a household name, but the music the Detroit jazz musician will be playing during Jazz in June may sound familiar.
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Belgrave's octet will take music lovers for a be-bopping ride when it performs a tribute to Louis Armstrong at 8 p.m. June 24 at Abe Andrews Park. The performance is free.
"Marcus Belgrave's Octet, with their tribute to the great Satchmo, is sure to rock the stage at the close of Jazz in June 2006 on Saturday," said Debra Krittenbrink, Jazz in June spokeswoman. "Belgrave's low, gravely voice naturally evokes Armstrong, although his performance has interpretations and nuances that are uniquely his."
Besides Belgrave on trumpet and vocals, the octet includes Paul Keller on bass, Peter Siers on drums, Charles Gabriel on tenor sax and clarinet, Chris Smith on trombone and tuba, Dave Flanigan on alto sax and clarinet, Bill Meyer on piano and Hugh Leal on guitar and banjo.
Belgrave's band covers Armstrong's hits from the 1920s and '30s, as well as classics from the 1950s and '60s.
Founder of the jazz studies program at the Detroit Metro Arts Complex and the Jazz Development Workshop in Detroit, Belgrave has toured with some of jazz's most notable musicians, including Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Charles Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie, Aretha Franklin and Wynton Marsalis.
Blues Under the Stars kicks off the festival June 22 when the Red Rhythm Band takes the stage at 7 p.m. at Brookhaven Village, 36th Avenue N.W. and Robinson Street. The Sean Costello Band follows at 8 p.m.
"Costello, who began blues gigs at the age of 14, loves to rework classic New Orleans and Chicago blues sounds into his own signature style," Krittenbrink said. "Backed by seasoned professionals, his group's tight sound will make for a notable Thursday night finale."
Friday's activities will began at 7 p.m. with a performance by the Norman North High School Jazz Choir, also at Brookhaven Village. The Brian Gorrell Band will follow at 8 p.m. before Jeanie Bryson closes the evening at 9 p.m.
"The language jazz singer Jeanie Bryson speaks most clearly is one of intimacy -- a sultry, soulful blend of vocals often compared to Billie Holliday and Peggy Lee," Krittenbrink said. "Her Friday performance at Brookhaven Village promises a rare mix of humor and desire guaranteed to wrap her listeners in its spell."
Saturday, musicians will host several educational clinics at Norman North High School, 1809 Stubbeman Ave. Clinics include acoustic guitar instruction at noon with Joe Brennen, piano instruction at 1 p.m. with Eric Byrd and trumpet instruction at 2 p.m. with Belgrave.
Before Belgrave's finale Saturday, the Christopher Wray Quartet will take the stage at 6 p.m. at Andrews Park, followed by Byrd at 7 p.m.
After Belgrave's performance, local blues favorite Garrett "Big G" Jacobson will play from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. The location has not yet been determined.
Jazz in June is a free, family-friendly outdoor event held each year in Norman. The festival, founded by the Norman Arts and Humanities Council and the Cimarron Circuit Opera Company, is supported by grants and donations. It is produced by KGOU-KROU radio and Jazz in June Inc.
For more information, call 325-3388 or go to www.jazzinjune.org.
