Free Jazz Concert

Hot Nights,
Cool Jazz: WCU’s
Criterions Alumni Reunite for a Free Concert

Each summer, with little more than a day of rehearsals, more
than 20 West Chester University alumni from the exclusive jazz ensemble The
Criterions gel to deliver a free concert of big band, jazz and swing music. And
this year, it’s a mini-reunion for the class of 1964, whose Lee Southall gathered
his classmates and former players for the first Criterions Reunion Concert 29
years ago.

On
Thursday, July 17, at 7:30 p.m., Southall again brings alumni together for the
29th annual Criterions Reunion Concert. As always, the event is free for the public,
along with daytime rehearsals on Wednesday and Thursday, all in Emilie K. Asplundh
Concert Hall in Philips Memorial Building.

Several
generations of alumni from the 1940s to the most recent graduates join trombonist Southall
annually. Locals may recognize some of the players from popular cover bands
such as Don’t Call Me Francis and Chico’s Vibe, or in smaller combos at the
area’s night spots, or in the region’s many community symphonies and
orchestras. Many of the participants have Broadway and other theatre credits
and a number of them remain in the region, teaching and performing.

Among
those returning with Southall this year are his
classmates Ernie Maxwell, a retired commercial pilot, John Meko and Bob Notari, retired music teachers, Frank Strouse,
retired military, and the former director of the WCU School of Music Jim Sullivan ’66.

The
Criterions student band has been active on campus since the 1920s, when it was
established as a dance band, making it the longest running university jazz band
in the country.

Criterions
reunion concert rehearsals take place throughout the day on Wednesday, July 16,
and Thursday, July 17, and are free and open to the public, as is the concert
on Thursday, July 17, at 7:30 p.m.

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CONTACT 

WCU
Office of Public Relations and Marketing: 610-436-3383

OR

Lee
Southall: 610-420-2698