Grant Rationale: Inspiring the music community in

Utah

I. Executive Summary:
Since its inception, the University Jazz Club has sought to
nurture Utahs growing jazz community. To this end, we
have booked locally and nationally prominent jazz
musicians to present masterclasses. They have discussed
topics vital to the development of up-and-coming
musicians within both jazz and classical disciplines.
Additionally, jam sessions hosted by the UJC foster
camaraderie and the pursuit of excellence amongst our
students. To further these ends, we are requesting a
$3,000 grant for spring semester.

II. Justification:
Six professional musicians will be traveling to Salt Lake
City, UT to perform in a musical taking place on March 10 ,
2017 at the Rose Wagner Center. The fact that these
musicians will already be in Utah cuts down considerably
on travel costs and allows the students to take advantage
of this rare opportunity. The grant money requested
would gain students access to the rehearsals these
musicians will be participating in on March 9th and 10th,
and to hire the musicians for a mater-class on March 9th.
These sessions will provide new perspectives, insight, and
inspiration for the University of Utah music students.
Anyone working towards excellence in any art form
constantly needs to be motivated and encouraged in
order to make progress.

The six artists have been listed below along with a brief
bio:
1. Jon Dixon
Ever since he could remember, Jon Dixon has had a passion for music. Jon began playing by
ear at the age of four and has always enjoyed challenging himself by learning music in this
manner. He began reading and studying classical piano at the age of 15 while enrolled at
The High School For Fine and Performing Arts where he also studied Jazz with Mr. Edward
Quick. While in college, he accompanied The Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit as an
accompanist/band leader for their productions and concerts as well as performed all over
the city and state.
In 2015 Jon started an independent label, 4EVR 4WRD (Forever Forward) to focus on making
electronic music fused with elements of Jazz, Hip Hop and other styles of music. Dixon has
also had the chance to perform in numerous countries with Artists/Bands such as Galaxy 2
Galaxy, Interstellar Fugitives, Timeline, Amp Fiddler, Jeff Mills, Mike Banks, Derrick May,
Francesco Tristano, Carl Craig and more. Dixon is one of the city's most sought-after
musicians for every genre ranging from jazz to techno. He believes that the more versatile
and open minded you are at your craft, the further it will take you.

2. Caleb Curtis
New York based, Ann Arbor (MI) born, musician Caleb Curtis has shown himself to be an
engaging and entertaining saxophonist and composer. His original compositions are
informed by a wide swath of the jazz tradition, at times introspective, brash and melodic.
Legendary pianist Mulgrew Miller said Caleb has a wonderful, singing, projecting sound. To
me, thats the ultimate for a horn player. Neighborhood (Ropeadope Records), the recently
released debut album from the Brooklyn based collective Walking Distance, has been met
with critical acclaim.

After studying music at Michigan State University and William Paterson University Caleb has
become an active member of the New York City jazz and creative music scene. He can be
seen with Walking Distance, Manner Effect, Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band, the
George Gee Swing Orchestra, the Fat Cat Big Band, the Gregorio Uribe Big Band, and the
Mike Sailors Swing Orchestra. He has performed at the Blue Note, Jazz Standard, Smalls,
Smoke, Zinc Bar, and many other NYC clubs. Caleb has developed an individualistic
approach to improvisation and sound, reflected in his urgent and wailing saxophone. (All
About Jazz)

3. Nate Winn

A consummate musician, Nathaniel Winn discovered his passion for the drums in church at
the age of 4. Since then, the Detroit, Michigan native has never looked back. Nate has had
the pleasure to work with many well-known musicians such as Terrance Palmer, Robert
Hurst, Pat Metheny and Joshua Redman. Nate's versatile, but unique style has earned him
the opportunity appear on numerous albums.

Nate's style is influenced by Jazz, Blues and his Gospel upbringing, along with some of his
favorite drummers: Brian Blade, Kendrick Scott, and Calvin Rodgers. Currently, hes
pursuing a degree in Music at Wayne State University and in his spare time, he participates
in after-school programs that expose elementary school children to music and teach math
and science using this medium. He lives in Metro-Detroit with his wife, Lauren.

4. Sarah Elizabeth Charles

Sarah Elizabeth Charles is a rising vocalist/composer based in New York City. She has worked
and studied with artists such as George Cables, Geri Allen, Nicholas Payton, Sheila Jordan,
Jimmy Owens and Carmen Lundy and released her debut record, Red in September of
2012 with her band SCOPE. As the active vocalist in a number of bands (including AJOYO,
Manner Effect, Transient Beings and Enoch Smith Jr.s Misfits), Sarah has performed at
many venues throughout her career.

In addition to her performances, Sarah is also an active educator. She works as a teaching
artist with Carnegie Halls Musical Connections program, has a private lessons studio in New
York City and is developing an early childhood music education program with Rise2Shine, a
non-profit organization based in Fond Parisien, Haiti. Sarah has recently performed at the
Rose Theatre (along with the great Andy Bey and Molly Johnson in Jazz at Lincoln Centers
Celebrating Lady Day event), Duc des Lombards/The New Morning in Paris, the Harlem
Stage Gatehouse for her Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concert and Isaac Stern Auditorium at
Carnegie Hall.
5. Sasha Kashperko
Sasha Kashperko is a guitarist/producer/composer/educator in the metro Detroit area.
Originally from Belarus, Sasha studied jazz guitar at Wayne State University. Sasha has
worked with artists such as Bob Hurst, Karriem Riggins, Black Milk and many others. Sasha
has opened for Common, Bell Biv Devoe, and many others. Sasha is part of the collectives
Polyfold and Video7 in Detroit and is also a signed artist to Martian Bass Records in London.
His trio performs monthly at the historic Cliff Bells downtown Detroit where he shares his
original compositions and workshops with local up and coming talent in the last set open jam
session. Sasha has worked with American Music Abroad and American Voices as a musical
ambassador of American music and has travelled to 8 countries to perform and workshop
with critically acclaimed hip hop artist Mahogany Jones.

6. Darell Campbell
Darell Campbell Jra musician, songwriter, producer, teacher, and preacheractually
appears to be larger when seen with one of his instruments. This proves Detroits hustle,
toughness, and balance produces a musical surface that actually magnifies under stage
lights. During a Christmas vacation, at the age of 10, he secretly used his fathers recording
equipment and recorded and produced his very own rap album. However, his career didnt
actually take off until he was 12 when he was allowed to play piano on Sunday mornings at
church. After realizing that he would make a much better musician than football player, he
began to quickly grasp advanced musical concepts. After graduating from Detroits Cass
Technical High school, he bypassed the traditional collegiate education to try his hand in the
traveling workforce as a touring keyboardist

III. Complete Explanation of project:

If awarded, the funds from this grant will gain students access to the
knowledge and experience of 6 accomplished artists visiting Utah in the
Spring 2017 semester. This masterclass will be publicized through social
media and advertisements in form of posters and social media. We wish to
have the students attend an open rehearsal and see these musicians in a
professional setting, to see how they approach a rehearsal, and how they
interact. Additionally, these world-class musicians will provide a master-class
for students to ask questions and give direct insight into the music industry.

Logistics
The observed rehearsals on March 9th will take place at the University of Utah
School of Music from 3pm-5pm and 7pm-9pm. The dress rehearsal that
students can attend will take place at the Rose Wagner Center on March 10th
from 3pm-6pm. The guest artists will lead a master-class for students on
March 9th from 5pm-7pm at the University of Utah School of Music.

Goals of the project:

To expose the students to jazz artists from outside of this region and give
students an opportunity to interact with the visiting artists as well as an
opportunity to ask visiting artists any questions about being a professional
musician. In the world of entrepreneurs, professional advice and connections
are priceless. We are expecting to have at least 30 university students
attend.

Students participating, and beneficiaries:

The entire jazz department will be participating, as well as those enrolled in
jazz ensembles that are non-jazz majors. We plan on reaching out to the
entire school of music and beyond, including any university of Utah students
as well as any non-students in Utah that have an interest in jazz. Local high
schools and other Universities will also be invited so that the entire Utah
community can benefit from this opportunity. We are estimating a total of
100 people that will benefit from this project, in and outside of the jazz
department.

Feasible budget, timeline:

I have attached and labeled the timeline and budget.

Publicity:
The available open rehearsals and master-class will be advertised using
social media, and printed posters provided by the University of Utah Jazz
Studies area. This brings our total publicity cost to $0, which allows us to
focus our efforts on compensating our guest artists.

Benefits to enhance the Universitys cultural community:

The open rehearsals the students will attend is for a new musical called Jim
Crows Tears. The music and lyrics are composed and written by Kris
Johnson, with a book written and directed by Gary Anderson.

Project Description:
Jim Crows Tears offers a glimpse into a tortured soul. From slavery with its
dehumanization to Minstrel Shows and its degradation, this musical
transports you back in time when finding one's autonomy was an anomaly. It
will make you cry. It will make you angry. It will make you laugh. Mostly, it will
make you think.

This musical takes all the negative stereotypes forced upon a people, blows
them up and exposes their absurdity. It speaks to the mistreatment of a
people who helped to build a nation, only to be discarded generation after
generation.

Through one mans tears you will be enlightened to the struggle. You will be
hopeful for the future. You will be grateful for him and the progress made.
You will be educated on work still to come, and how people are still
contributing to the problem. Come along this journey with Kris Johnson and
experience Jim Crows Tears.

I composed Jim Crows Tears to pay tribute to those who endured dark
periods in our nation and fought to implement change. This is not only a
black issue but is central to the human experience. Other cultures,
nationalities, ethnicities, and lifestyles have been marginalized and faced
discrimination across the world. This piece is an expression of what it means
to deliver ones mind, body, and spirit from the chains (literal or figurative) of
oppression. My desire is for Jim Crows Tears to provoke reflection, dialogue,
healing, and positive change. - Kris Johnson

By attending this open rehearsal the students will gain a deeper

understanding of the connection music has with culture, and past & present
events.