Lee University’s Small Jazz Ensemble will perform on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Conn Center on Lee’s campus .

The Small Jazz Ensemble’s concert repertoire will include songs such as Gary Burton and Pat Metheny’s “Sea Journey,” Ella Fitzgerald’s “Satin Doll,” Ben Patterson’s “Lucky Southern,” and Amanda Rohling’s “Moonlight.”

The performers represent a diverse mixture of students from various departments of the music program, many of whom will perform and contribute arrangements within the jazz genre for the first time. The Small Jazz Ensemble is directed by Tom Hurst and Shawn Perkinson.

“Professor Perkinson and I have so enjoyed working with this fall semester’s jazz combo participants,” said Hurst. “They have been exceptionally creative in their repertoire suggestions and have truly embraced the improvisational spirit of the jazz combo setting.”

Hurst is a Nashville-based percussionist, educator, and clinician. He has supported artists across the spectrum of popular music for 25 years, whether behind the drum kit or playing ethnic percussion. The Backstreet Boys, Gary Allan, Wang Chung, Chuck Wicks, Tiffany, Joe Nichols, Sister Hazel, Tracy Lawrence, Peter Noon of Herman’s Hermits, and James Otto are a few of the national/international artists that have utilized Hurst’s performance services for touring and/or recording.

Perkinson is the jazz guitar instructor at Lee. He studied with the legendary Mark Boling, Donald Brown, and Jerry Coker while earning his bachelor’s degree in studio music and jazz from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He has performed and recorded with many different groups and artists over the years, including The Charlie Daniels Band, Widespread Panic, and Confederate Railroad, with music ranging stylistically from rock, country, bluegrass, and gospel to blues and jazz.

Lee University remains dedicated to the health and safety of both the campus community and guests and will observe COVID-19 protocols based on CDC recommendations at the time of the performance.

The event is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public.

For more information, contact Lee’s School of Music at (423) 614-8240 or email [email protected].