For More Information:
Erik Ernst, WPT publicist, [email protected]
Deb Piper, WPT producer, [email protected]
Jazz Fest in Eau Claire TV Special Premieres Dec. 19 on WPT
An annual jazz tradition in Eau Claire that highlights the talents of young performers from across the state and region comes to Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) in an all-new special. Jazz Fest in Eau Claire premieres 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19 on WPT. The full program and bonus musical content from the festival will also be available online at wpt.org beginning Dec. 12.
Throughout the program, viewers will go inside the festival to see students performing in venues across the city and learning from experts in hands-on clinics.
Performances from the headlining concert at Eau Claire Memorial High School feature groups who received the festival's highest honors, including the Whitewater High School Jazz Ensemble from Whitewater, the Waconia High School Jazz Ensemble from Waconia, Minn., the Black Elk Jazz Ensemble from Elk River, Minn., and Valley High School Jazz Ensemble from West Des Moines, Iowa.
World-renowned jazz artists Stefon Harris and Jimmy Heath also perform with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Jazz Ensemble I.
Jazz Fest in Eau Claire is part of WPT's multiyear Young Performers Initiative, a statewide effort to raise the visibility of the arts, celebrate the creative achievements of Wisconsin's young people and support the arts in education.
Funding for Jazz Fest in Eau Claire provided by David and Susan Manor in honor of Blaine and Loretta Manor, Holiday Vacations, and Friends of Wisconsin Public Television.
WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Extension.
Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV, Madison; WPNE-TV, Green Bay; WHRM-TV, Wausau; WLEF-TV, Park Falls; WHLA- TV, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV, Menomonie-Eau Claire.
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