Middle Tennessee State University alumnus and adjunct jazz professor Miguel Alvarado will showcase his impressive saxophone skills with members of MTSU Combo 1 on Feb. 1 in the second concert of MTSU’s School of Music’s Jazz Artist Series.

The concert, which will feature original compositions and arrangements by Alvarado, begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, in the Hinton Music Hall of the Wright Music Building, 1439 Faulkinberry Drive on the MTSU campus. A parking map is available at https://bit.ly/MTSUParking.

“The concert will showcase the dynamic playing of one of Nashville’s best tenor saxophonists,” said Jamey Simmons, director of MTSU Jazz Studies.  

The program will also feature members of the top student/graduate combo in the jazz area, including Riley Trauscht, alto saxophone; Zicky Hart, tenor saxophone; Daniel Kuk, piano; Baily Johnstone, bass; and Miles Damaso, drums; and a guest appearance by faculty jazz saxophonist Don Aliquo.

A native of Tampa, Florida, Alvarado embarked on his professional music journey at 13, initiating his performance career in the Tampa Bay area with various local R&B, Latin, and rock groups. Alvarado also graduated from the University of North Florida and “studied under the guidance of jazz legend Bunky Green, Kevin Bales, Ricky Ravelo, John Ricci, and many others.” 

While attending MTSU, Alvarado received two first-place Downbeat Magazine Awards as a graduate student in the Small Group Jazz Composition and Jazz Vocal Arrangement categories.

In 2020, Alvarado was honored with the Nashville Industry Music Awards Jazz Performance Award, coinciding with the release of his critically acclaimed album “Idile” on Ear Up Records, an international jazz label founded by the world-famous saxophonist and philanthropist Jeff Coffin. 

Since 2007, Alvarado has been dedicated to teaching music in the classroom and currently teaches in the Jazz Department at MTSU.

“The exciting thing for us as teachers is to showcase musicians that have a long-term commitment to the music, showing future generations the creative possibilities of improvisation and composition,” said Simmons.  

Tickets are $10 for the public and free for MTSU students, faculty, and staff. Discounts for area band students and educators are also available. Tickets will be available in the lobby of the Wright Music building before the concert.

Third Jazz Artist Series concert in March

The third concert in the MTSU Jazz Artist Series continues Saturday, March 23, with the MTSU Illinois Jacquet Jazz Festival – a full-day event featuring performances of school ensembles, MTSU groups, jam sessions, educational sessions, and the 5:15 p.m. headline concert featuring dynamic jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman.

Dedicated to the memory of tenor saxophonist Illinois Jacquet, the festival seeks to educate, inspire and entertain audiences in the Middle Tennessee area. For a complete schedule of concerts and clinics, see https://w1.mtsu.edu/music/jazzfest.php.

For further information on this and other concerts in the MTSU School of Music, please visit the “Events Calendar” link mtsumusic.com.

— Johari Hamilton (Johari.HamiltonGA@mtsu.edu)