Pianist and Composer Oscar Hernandez to Perform with the William Paterson Latin Jazz Ensemble at William Paterson University on February 22 Pianist and composer Oscar Hernandez joins the William Paterson University Latin Jazz Ensemble, directed by Chico Mendoza, to perform as part of the spring 2015 Jazz Room at William Paterson University in Wayne on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at 4 p.m. in the Shea Center for Performing Arts on campus. Prior to the concert, Hernandez will be the guest for “Sittin’ In ,” an informal discussion about jazz, at 3 p.m. in Shea Center 101. Admission is free to all Jazz Room ticket holders. Tickets are available in advance at the Shea Center Box Office at 973-720-2371 or wp-presents.org for $15 general, $12 for senior citizens and William Paterson faculty, staff, and alumni, $8 for non-William Paterson students, and free for William Paterson students with valid I.D. There will be an additional $3 charge for tickets purchased on show day. Oscar Hernandez is a pianist and the founder of the Grammy Award-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra. He has performed with Latin music artists Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Julio Iglesias, and Willie Colón, among others, and has produced best-selling recordings for Rubén Blades, Daniel Ponce, Eddie Torre and more. Hernandez is heard as pianist on albums with Ray Barretto and numerous other artists, and his music can be heard on several commercial projects and television jingles, including music on “Sex and the City,” and commercials for Cover Girl and Dunkin Donuts. Recently, Hernandez worked as a musical director/conductor, and arranged music for “The Capeman,” Paul Simon’s Broadway musical, for which is produced the cast recording. Currently, he is working on the Broadway-bound version of “Mambo Kings.” Launched in 1978, the Jazz Room 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. 02/04/15
