Howie Smith’s 29th annual Concert in Progress will take place on Sunday, February 8 at 8:00 p.m. in Cleveland State University’s Drinko Recital Hall, located in the Music and Communication Building, 2001 Euclid Ave. As always, the concert is free and open to the public.

Since 1981, Cleveland State professor of music Smith has presented an annual evening of his original music written specifically for the musicians who have appeared on each concert. Previous concerts have featured performers as diverse as keyboard artists Mike Nock and Jim McNeely, bassist Abraham Laboriel, members of The Cleveland Orchestra, electric violinist Michael Dreyfuss, actor/director Reuben Silver, the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, the Jazz Unit and a 60-piece saxophone ensemble.

Although past concerts may give an indication of what might be in store, one is never sure what direction Smith will take once the music begins.

A virtuoso saxophonist, composer and jazz musician, Howie Smith has presented concerts and workshops throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe and Australia. He has worked with musicians, composers and ensembles as varied as Anthony Braxton, Gary Burton, Dizzy Gillespie, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Elvis Presley, John Cage, Pauline Oliveros, The Cleveland Orchestra and the Tone Road Ramblers.

Smith’s recorded performances are equally diverse. His extensive catalogue of compositions includes works for conventional big bands and combos; for string, wind and percussion ensembles; for electronics; and for mixed media. Recordings of his work may be heard on the Philips, Polydor, Albany, Optimism and Sea Breeze labels.

For more information, please call Cleveland State’s Department of Music at 216.687.2151.

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Cleveland State’s next Sundown Jazz Concert on Sunday, February 15 at 4:00 p.m. will present the Tim Powell Trio, with Bob Fraser on guitar, Rock Wehrmann on keyboards, and Tim Powell on bass.

The performance will take place in Drinko Recital Hall. As always, the concert is free and open to the public.

During the past 25 years, bassist Tim Powell has performed with such diverse acts as Harry Connick, Jr., Rosemary Clooney, the Moody Blues, Kansas, Yes, Rod Stewart, Chet Atkins, Chuck Berry, Tommy Tune, Roger Williams, Frankie Avalon, and Myron Floren, to name only a few. As the first-call player for all Playhouse Square Centre Productions in Cleveland, some of the national touring company shows he has recently performed with include “The Color Purple,” “Legally Blonde,” “Wicked,” “Spamalot,” “ The Producers,” and “Chicago.” Powell has also performed and/or recorded with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Akron Symphony, the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, the Blossom Festival Band, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Joe Augustine, Harold Danko, Paquito D’Rivera, Joe Lovano, and Clark Terry, among many others.

Bob Fraser is one of Ohio’s most innovative jazz guitarists. A much sought after studio musician, Fraser can be heard on numerous national ads, and has appeared on recordings by Maureen McGovern, Tony Lavorgna, Pat Pace and Ernie Krivda. An auxiliary member of The Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, he has also performed with many touring celebrities and shows at the Palace and State theaters, as well as extended-run musicals at the Cleveland Playhouse. He has performed with Grover Washington, Bill Dobbins, Chip Stephens, Tommy Tune, Roger Williams, Rita Moreno, Mitzi Gaynor and many others. He is also a regular member of Jack Schantz’ Jazz Unit

Rock Wehrmann is in much demand in the Midwest as an arranger, producer, soloist and accompanist. He has appeared as a featured soloist with The Cleveland Orchestra and performed at the presentation of the Pulitzer Prizes. His background includes a degree in pipe organ from Kent State University, the position of Artist-in-Residence for Moog Music, and appearances on recordings by prominent jazz artists such as Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock. His company, Sudden Realizations, produces music and sound design for films and broadcast.

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