New York-based composer Stephanie Chou has announced a NYC Release concert on April 29, 2011 at Drom for her first recording, Prime Knot, which represents a new approach to combining jazz, traditional Chinese music, and mathematics. Prime Knot contains a varied set of compositions including jazz arrangements of the traditional Chinese classic, "Jasmine Flower," tunes inspired by knot theory, classical piano, and pop. "I wanted to present contemporary 'Asian' jazz that conjured twisted and curved images of prime knots, my favorite mathematical structures," commented Chou. "My vision is to create music that synthesizes my ethnic heritage, musical background, and knowledge of mathematics into a unique artistic voice." When asked why she chose to do different versions of "Jasmine Flower," Chou says, "Variations, fresh takes on something old, create interest and beautyin math, music, and life."
Chou grew up in Irvington, NY, listening to traditional Chinese music at home. She studied classical piano and saxophone until focusing on jazz in college. She graduated with a BA in mathematics from Columbia University and actively participated in the Jazz Performance Program there. Chou has studied with Steve Wilson, Don Sickler, Ole Mathisen, and Patrick Zimmerli, all active figures in the current jazz world.
At just 23 years old, Chou has already led her group in a performance at Carnegie Hall and played at a wide array of venues throughout New York City, China, Italy, New Orleans, and Chicago. She has performed at Shea Stadium, Lucille's at B.B. King's, Miller Theater, The Knitting Factory, and the atrium at Jazz at Lincoln Center. She has shared the stage with jazz greats Steve Wilson, Bobby Watson, and Paul Bollenback. A recipient of various music scholarships from Columbia University, Chou was also a finalist in the 2010-2011 Fulbright Scholarship and the Frank Huntington Beebe Fund for Musicians in 2009.
Prime Knot features Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra's Marcus Printup on trumpet and flugelhorn, Columbia University alums Jeremy Siskind on piano and Joel Gombiner on tenor saxophone, and Israeli musicians Daniel Ori on bass and Ronen Itzik on drums.
Drom is located at 85 Avenue A. (Between 5th and 6th Street in the East Village). Their phone number is 212-777-1157 and website is www.dromnyc.com
(Webster) Today, April 7th at 1:00 p.m., the annual Waddell & Reed Charity Golf Tournament kicks off, with numerous celebrities stepping on the green for a good cause.
The day will feature many stars of the music and sports world competing for Christmas 4 Kids all co-hosted by country hit-maker Andy Griggs and Tennessee Titan Cortland Finnegan.
Additional confirmed celebrities include: Brad Lebo (Saints), John Pointer (Packers), Randy Fuller (Steelers/Broncos), Eddie Khayat (Eagles), Bill Khayat (Redskins), Ross Browner (Bengles), Jeff Bates, Gunnar Nelson, Matt Gary, Eric Lee Beddingfield, The Roys, Ty Brown, Scott Lindsey, Dustin Wilkes, Nathan Douglas, Johnny Gates, Wayne Mills, Tay Humphrey, C. Jaye LeRose, Jerry Laseter, Kylee Ervin, Joe Dubin, and Terry Bulger.
The beautiful Hermitage Golf Course will host the golf tournament for some fun competition ending the day with a memorable evening of non-stop entertainment by the musical golfers.
The Waddell & Reed Charity Golf Tournament will raise funds for Christmas 4 Kids, Inc. Christmas 4 Kids is a not-for-profit organization that has been in existence for over 25 years providing many children, each year, with their very own shopping spree. The funds generated by the golf tournament, annual concert, and the Tour Bus Show/Artist Meet and Greet event are used to give children from 30 different schools, a total of more than 400 children, a day-long shopping excursion.
EVENT DETAILS:
April 7th / Hermitage Golf Course / 1 pm Shotgun Start
Entry Fee: $125 per golfer / $500 per team
For more information visit: www.Christmas4Kids.org
