Catch jazz musician in rare performance

(WPRI) - This weekend, FirstWorks presents Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in a rare Providence performance.  In the month leading up to this performance, members of "Jazz at Lincoln Center" have been in FirstWorks arts-learning residency.

"FirstWorks is dedicated to bringing world class artists and ensembles to Providence and connecting them really deeply in the community to build things educationally, economically” said Kathleen Pletcher from FirstWorks.

Their arts-learning program has been working all month long in preparation for the Wynton Marsalis performance with their “Say it with Jazz” program. This includes teacher training, workshops for students, and concerts where students can showcase their talents.

Wynton Marsalis and Sandra Day O’Connor created the curriculum used for the students called “Let Freedom Swing”. Principles of democracy were taught through jazz. “There’s this sense that the arts can lead into history or science or math or democracy” said Pletcher.

Teacher, Bill Jones said such curriculum is “extremely important”. The opportunity is tremendous and the experience has been amazing for both student and teacher. The growth is tremendous according to Jones. 

FirstWorks presents Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra takes place on Sunday, January 27th at 7:00 p.m. at The Vets.