Ever wonder what’s going through the minds of jazz artists as they improvise their way through a song with four other musicians? How do they make music spontaneously with nothing to guide them but inspiration?

 

For those who would like to explore those questions and more, the West Virginia Jazz Society (WVJS) will present a special free and open-to-the-public concert by Dr. Monika Herzig on Wednesday, May 13, at Washington Square in Clarksburg beginning at 7:30pm.

 

The show will be presented in a conversational style with Herzig and her band mates taking time before each song to share with the audience some of the “secrets of jazz musicians”.

 

The event is sponsored by a Harrison County Commission grant to WVJS as a part of a special outreach project taking jazz performance to student and senior audiences throughout Harrison County. Other jazz events are planned for Shinnston, West Milford and Bridgeport, including a June 18 “Randall Hall Presents” concert at Shinnston City Park.

 

Herzig’s stop in Clarksburg is part of an extended tour for the Indiana University professor and band leader. Her first stops are in the Indianapolis area, then to Twins Jazz Lounge in Washington, DC, and the Zinc Bar in New York City, to name a few.

 

In Clarksburg, she will perform with three West Virginia-based artists: Adam Loudin (trumpet), Kyle Andrews (drums) and Joey Hochgesang (bass).

 

“The more audiences understand about jazz music, the more fun they have listening,” said Eric Spelsberg, WVJS President. “Students and seniors respond well to what Monika Herzig does. We’re all looking forward to it.”

 

Washington Square is located at 216 Washington St. Reservations are highly recommended due to limited space. The kitchen will remain open during the performance.

 

For more information, visit WVJazzSociety.com or email to WVJazzSociety@aol.com, or phone 304-517-9813.