ESCONDIDO, CA- Escondido residents can enjoy an evening of live jazz without paying admission when the award-winning MiraCosta Oceanside Jazz Orchestra takes the stage Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
The free concert, part of the center's First Wednesdays series, will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the arts center, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Known as MOJO, the MiraCosta Oceanside Jazz Orchestra has earned national recognition for its performances, including multiple honors in DownBeat magazine's Student Music Awards.
The ensemble won the Community College Large Jazz Ensemble category in 2017, 2022 and 2023 and has received seven awards for Outstanding Large Jazz Ensemble Performance.
MOJO has also performed at Jazz Education Network conferences in New Orleans and San Diego, sharing the stage with prominent jazz musicians including Benny Golson, Fred Wesley, Mike Stern, Ernie Watts, Tom Scott and Brian Bromberg.
The orchestra has received commendations from the U.S. Congress and the California Legislature in recognition of its musical achievements.
The ensemble is directed by MiraCosta College faculty member Steve Torok, a saxophonist, composer and arranger whose professional credits include performances with Stevie Wonder, Usher, Adam Levine, The Temptations, Sheila E., the Four Tops and the O'Jays.
Earlier this year, Torok was selected to direct the inaugural Intercollegiate Community College Honors Jazz Ensemble at the Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans.
The First Wednesdays series is designed to make live performances more accessible to the Escondido community by offering free concerts featuring accomplished musicians and performing artists.
Although admission is free, attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance through MiraCosta College's ticketing website.
Residents can RSVP online at MiraCosta College's ticketing page.
For additional ticketing information, contact the MiraCosta College Box Office at 760-795-6815 or the college's music department at 760-795-6816.
For concert details and updates, visit the California Center for the Arts' official event page.
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