Special Pre-Festival Event!
Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra

Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 8:00 PM
Concert Hall
$27 / $32 / $37

One of the newest stars to come out of the legendary New Orleans jazz scene, trumpeter Irvin Mayfield founded the 16-piece New Orleans Jazz Orchestra in 2002. Together they make beautiful music, whether performing their own works or those of the masters such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie. The orchestra showcases the ‘Big Easy’s' unique style of jazz, singing the praises of their irreplaceable city. A portion of the proceeds from the concert will directly benefit Katrina relief efforts.

New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Website

Ticket Information

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CNU Jazz Ensembles
With special guest Steve Zegree

Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 8:00 PM
Music & Theatre Hall
$10

The CNU Jazz Ensembles (under the direction of CNU professors Bill Brown and Dr. Lauren Fowler) perform with very special guest Steve Zegree. Internationally recognized as a vocal jazz master, Dr. Zegree is also active as a jazz pianist, conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. His impressive career as a pianist and conductor includes performances on four continents, including conducting the World Youth Choir.

Steve Zegree Website

Bobby McFerrin and Voicestra

Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 8:00 PM
Concert Hall
$32 / $37 / $42

Bobby McFerrin, the ten-time Grammy Award-winning improvisatory vocalist will perform with his famous vocal group, Voicestra. Comprised of twelve uniquely gifted singers with stylistic experiences ranging from jazz to R&B to Indian and classical opera, Voicestra serves as a rich compositional palate for McFerrin's expeditions into the ‘musical universe.’

Bobby McFerrin Website

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Chris Botti and Jane Monheit

Friday, April 20, 2007 at 8:00 PM
Concert Hall
$32 / $37 / $42

Trumpeter Chris Botti is a charismatic performer whose recordings have made him a virtual genre-of-one in the realm of contemporary jazz. Through his singular combination of lush atmospheres and improvisation, Botti has earned both critical-acclaim and mainstream appreciation. Jane Monheit’s classically-trained voice has been compared to that of Ella Fitzgerald, whom she lists as a major influence. At just twenty-nine years of age, Monheit is considered by many to be one of the most promising vocalists of her generation.

Chris Botti Website
Jane Monheit Website

Eight-time Grammy Award Winner!
Natalie Cole
with special guest
Robert Jospé & Inner Rhythm

Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 8:00 PM
Concert Hall
$52 / $57 / $62

The 10th annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival will conclude with a very special performance by eight–time Grammy Award-winning songstress Natalie Cole. The daughter of jazz and pop legend Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole has forged a successful career in the R&B and jazz genres. Her 1991 album Unforgettable featured her own arrangements of her father’s greatest hits, resulting in record sales of over five million and several Grammy Awards; including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

Drummer, percussionist, composer and Charlottesville resident, Robert Jospé is known for his inventive use of rhythmic styles incorporating salsa, samba, swing, funk and African rhythms into his own unique and distinctive style of contemporary jazz. Jospé's band Inner Rhythm is a high energy jazz and world-beat ensemble, performing original compositions rooted in jazz, Latin, Afro-Cuban and contemporary fusion styles, as well as jazz classics.

Natalie Cole Website
Robert Jospé Website

History of The Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival

Ella Fitzgerald was born in Newport News on April 25, 1917. Recognized as ‘'The First Lady of Song,' she was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. Winning 13 Grammy® awards and selling more than 40 million albums, she remains a glowing icon of American jazz culture, modern entertainment and irresistible musicality. Christopher Newport University and the City of Newport News celebrate her life and the music she loved with the Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival. The festival brings the finest jazz performers to Hampton Roads in her honor, and fosters her legacy by presenting community outreach and enrichment programs, including performances, workshops and master classes at Christopher Newport University's Ferguson Center for the Arts.