Trumpeter Clauido Roditi Joins the William Paterson University Latin Jazz Ensemble to Open Spring 2016 Jazz Room Series on Febuary 21 Brazilian trumpeter and two-time Grammy Award nominee Claudio Roditi joins the William Paterson Latin Jazz Ensemble directed by Chico Mendoza for the opening concert of the University’s spring 2016 Jazz Room series on Sunday, February 21. The performance begins at 4 p.m. in the Shea Center for Performing Arts on campus. Prior to the concert, Roditi will be the guest for “Sittin’ In,” an informal discussion about jazz, at 3 p.m. in Shea Center. Admission is free to all Jazz Room ticket holders. Tickets 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. Integrating post-bop elements and Brazilian rhythmic concepts, Roditi has won acclaim for his versatility, power, and lyricism. In demand as a performer, recording artist and teacher, he has performed and/or recorded with Charlie Rouse, Herbie Mann, Paquito D’Rivera, Joe Henderson, Horace Silver, Tito Puente, and McCoy Tyner, among others. He toured for five years as a member of Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nation Orchestra and currently, he performs with the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, a Gillespie tribute group. He also leads his own bands and tours worldwide as a featured performer in a wide variety of musical settings With more than 20 critically acclaimed albums to his credit, Roditi continually develops his playing and compositions through new recording projects. 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. 02/21/16
