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Saxophonist Charles McPherson to Perform in Jazz Room Series at William Paterson University on December 6

Saxophonist Charles McPherson, one of the great voices of the bebop language, will perform as part of the fall 2015 Jazz Room series at William Paterson University in Wayne on Sunday, December 6, 2015. The concert begins at 4 p.m. in the University’s Shea Center for Performing Arts on campus.

Prior to the concert, McPherson will be the guest for “Sittin’ In,” an informal discussion about jazz, at 3 p.m. in Shea Center. Admission to “Sittin’ In” is free to all Jazz Room ticket holders. Tickets for the performance are available at the Shea Center Box Office in advance at 973.720.2371 or wp-presents.org or on the day of the performance at $15 general admission, $12 senior citizens and William Paterson community, and $8 for non-William Paterson students.  William Paterson students are admitted free with a valid I.D. There is a $3 fee for tickets purchased on the day of the show.

McPherson is one of the most expressive and highly regarded voices in jazz. His rich musical style, rooted in the blues and bebop, has influenced and inspired generations of musicians and listeners. He has performed with Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Phil Woods, and has recorded as a guest artist with Charles Mingus, Barry Harris, Art Farmer, Kenny Drew and most recently with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis. McPherson was the featured saxophonist in the Clint Eastwood film Bird. In May 2015, California State University San Marcos awarded him an honorary doctor of fine arts degree.

Launched in 1978, William Paterson University’s Jazz Room Series is one of the largest and most prestigious college-sponsored jazz events in the country. Performers include renowned professionals who encompass the complete spectrum of jazz, as well as William Paterson’s own student ensembles. The series has won numerous grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for its innovative programming.