Jazz Backstage – Dave Brubeck @ 100

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On Monday, June 13 at 8 p.m., join Michael Shirtz along with Sam Blakeslee (trombone), Dwight Bailey (bass), Chris Coles (sax), Jerry Powell (drums) and Evelyn Wright (vocals) to celebrate the 100 years of jazz legend Dave Brubeck. During this unique, interactive performance, the audience will join the musicians sitting on the Hoover Auditorium stage as they perform and share the music and stories of this incomparable jazz legend.

Jazz performer, composer and producer Michael Shirtz takes us on a journey exploring the innovation of time and tonality that made famous the legendary career of Dave Brubeck. Learn how Brubeck developed some of his most famous jazz compositions such Take Five and Blue Rondo A La Turk, to the lyrical creations of Summer Song and Weep No More.Click here to learn more about Dave Brubeck.

About Michael Shirtz…

A performer, producer, composer and conductor, Michael Shirtz is known for his versatility with jazz, contemporary and classical music. Credited as a “songsmith” for his vocal interpretations and arrangements, Shirtz is an active singer, vocal coach, and music director for educational, repertory theatre, collegiate, and pops music productions, currently serving as music director/producer for Maureen McGovern. As a performer Shirtz incorporates his interests in composing and arranging music with jazz, blues, funk, gospel, and singer/songwriter material. His Brubeckian piano playing is a direct influence in his own music. Having recorded and produced on other artists’ albums, Shirtz released his first solo album, Blue Skies in 2018.

Shirtz has served on the faculty of the Conservatory of Music at Capital University, American Music Academy, music faculty and dean at Terra State Community College, guest directorship with Pellissippi State College-Knoxville, and associate director/project manager of the Tri-C JazzFest & Performing Arts Series. Through education, he has focused on the methods of creative arts and innovation to build cultural enrichment and opportunities of economic and community development, including programs with NASA, Lakeside Chautauqua, and the Sandusky State Theatre. Shirtz was recognized by Ohio Magazine for Excellence in Education, Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, and the Jazz Education Network’s President’s Service Award for developing programs that provided experiential learning and impacted regional communities through the arts.

Shirtz teaches music composition and arts entrepreneurship at the Heidelberg University School of Music & Theatre, conductor of the Symphony Chorale and Firelands Symphony School of Music, and artistic producer of the Jazz@8 Series presenting jazz concerts, workshops, and artists-in-schools programs. Shirtz has written music for choirs, orchestras, jazz bands, and theater, including the musical Headliner and major works The Solemn Blessings and In God’s Light. Shirtz received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Capital University and Master of Music in Conducting from California State University, Los Angeles. Shirtz is a member of ASCAP, African American Jazz Caucus, American Choral Directors Association, Jazz Education Network, and an advocate for mental health awareness.

Seating is limited for this event. As part of the Chautauqua Jazz Week Experience, see other Jazz Backstage @ Hoover concerts:

Charlie Parker @ 100 | Tuesday, June 14, 8 p.m. | Join Chris Coles and special guests as they celebrate the 100 years of jazz legend Charlie Parker.

Jazz Drummer Tribute | Wednesday, June 15, 8 p.m. | Join Jerry Powell and special guests as they celebrate the some of the great jazz drummers for the 20th Century.

Lakeside’s Jazz Week is made possible by the Ohio Arts Council’s 2022 Arts Resiliency Initiative Community grant. The Ohio Arts Council is funded in part by state tax dollars allocated by the Ohio Legislature. The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically.