TJC festival features famous pros

Vince DiMartino, former lead and solo trumpet with the Lionel Hampton Band, the Chuck Mangione Band and the Clark Terry Band, will be one of two featured guest artists to perform with the Tyler Junior College jazz ensemble at the closing concert of the TJC Jazz Festival at 8 p.m. Friday, March 23, in Wise Auditorium.

Admission is free.

Also featured is local pianist George Faber, former musician with Jon Faddis and currently Tyler ISD visual and performing arts coordinator.

"It's a rare and wonderful thing to have professional players of this caliber perform with our students," said Heather Mensch, TJC jazz ensembles director. "We hope everyone who has a love - or even an interest - in live jazz performance will join us for this free concert."

DiMartino has performed worldwide as a soloist and with artists such as Henry Mancini, Doc Severinsen, Pearl Bailey, Dizzy Gillespie and Dave Brubeck.

Widely admired for classical and jazz playing, he has also in recent years begun to specialize in virtuoso cornet solos.

Jazz groups from the following area schools will also perform throughout the day: Robert E. Lee High School, John Tyler High School; Hubbard Middle School; Moore MST Magnet School; Grace Community; Hallsville High School; Hallsville Junior High; and UT Tyler.

For more information, call the TJC band hall at 903-510-3195 or e-mail Mensch at hmen2@tjc.edu.