Born in Germany, Monika Herzig has always had a passion for piano.

 

“Piano is the best instrument because you can put harmony, rhythm and melody together at the same time,” she said.

 

Likewise, jazz holds a special place in her heart.

 

“Jazz is my passion due to its emphasis on the process and the personal expression,” said Herzig, who after completing an undergraduate degree in Germany relocated to the U.S. in 1988 with an exchange program – a one-way ticket to pursue a career as a jazz musician, ultimately completing a doctorate degree in music education and jazz studies at Indiana University where she presently teaches.

 

Herzig has scored her own arrangements, produced and recorded albums and performed extensively. She also began an advocacy program two years ago to highlight the talents of female jazz instrumentalists.

 

“(Jazz) is a traditionally male-dominated and competitive art form and even though there are some amazing female players out there, they are not known as much as they should be,” she said. “Hence, I pulled together some of the world’s greatest leaders in a platform that showcases their craft and also their music.”

 

It’s a very ambitious undertaking, she said, but it has been most rewarding as the group just recorded their second album and are embarking upon a large tour.

 

Included on the circuit is the 2017 “Jazz at Charles Pointe,” April 22 at Bridgeport Conference Center.

 

“I will bring guitarist Leni Stern, Guggenheim fellow/ flutist Jamie Baum, eight-year veteran of the Duke Ellington Orchestra/ bassist Jennifer Vincent, Andy Williams alumn/ drummer Rosa Avila and Washington band leader/ trombonist Shannon Gunn,” said Herzig of The Whole World Jazz Band.

 

As always, the event is presented by The West Virginia Jazz Society. President Eric Spelsberg said it has taken a few years, but he feels the society and host venue Bridgeport Conference Center have worked through some growing pains and have a good handle on presenting a pop-up nightclub setting featuring good food, spirits and non-stop entertainment.

 

Because of financial support from the Barbara Highland Fund, tickets for the show are just $15 each and upon entering the venue, guests can select from an array of food specialties, all prepared by the culinary staff of Bridgeport Conference Center and ranging in price from $7 to $9.  

 

“We’ve never before been able to offer a dining menu a la carte where attendees can order what they want,” Spelsberg said. “It will be just like a nightclub where you can order anything from a salad and a cocktail to a four- or five-course meal.”

 

Doors open at 6 p.m. with dining and music featuring students of Glenville State College beginning at 7 p.m. The featured show will begin at 8 p.m.

 

“It will  be mostly original music by our band members in order to showcase the unique voices with a global background, as well as a few of my arrangements, including ‘House of the Rising Sun’ and ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,’” Herzig said.

 

As she has been inspired by piano greats like Carla Bley, Marian McPartland and especially Chick Corea, with whom she shares a birthday, Herzig hopes she and The Whole World Jazz Band will inspire the North Central West Virginia audience which assembles at Bridgeport Conference Center April 22.

 

Organizers must be doing sometihng right this time because, already, tickets are limited, Spelsberg said.

 

Herzig has recorded with BeebleBrox, a jazz fusion group, and, among other recording projects, has released “Peace on Earth,” “Come with Me” and “Whole World in Her Hands,” the latter album on which she collaborated with her all-female all-star jazz band.

 

The April 22 event is part of a College Jazz Showcase, which will also feature a pair of West Virginia University jazz bands which will perform 7-9 p.m. April 21 in downtown Clarksburg – one at Washington Square on Washington Avenue and the other at My Mother’s Daughter on Main Street.

 

For a $50 annual membership donation to The West Virginia Jazz Society, individuals will receive a set of tickets to each of the aforementioned live jazz shows. For more information, tickets or to become a member of The West Virginia Jazz Society, email member@WVJazzSociety.com or call 304-517-9813.  The annual fee of $50 includes a set of tickets to the April 22 show, as well as an upcoming event in downtown Clarksburg.