Julian Bliss Septet to Perform in CPS Concert on Feb. 19 at SUNY Potsdam

Community Performance Series to Present 'A Tribute to Benny Goodman' on Feb. 19

Potsdam, NY (01/22/2019) — Community Performance Series will continue its 29th season with a performance featuring the Julian Bliss Septet next month. The jazz group will present "A Tribute to Benny Goodman" on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music.

Julian Bliss is one of the world's finest clarinetists, excelling as a concerto soloist, chamber musician, jazz artist, masterclass leader and tireless musical explorer. Born in the United Kingdom, he started playing the clarinet age four, going on to study in the U.S. at Indiana University and in Germany under Sabine Meyer. The breadth and depth of his artistry are reflected in the diversity and distinction of his work. In recital and chamber music, Bliss has played at most of the world's leading festivals and venues.

Recreating the exciting sound of swing from the '30s and '40s, Bliss will lead his septet through some of the great tunes of the swing era, staying true to the authentic feel but with a modern twist. He became enamored with the performances of Benny Goodman at the age of seven, and in 2010, decided to form a group to perform Goodman's music. The group's album, "A Tribute to Benny Goodman," was recorded in 2011 and released on Signum Records in 2012 to critical acclaim from both jazz and classical reviewers.

"The Julian Bliss Septet and 'A Tribute to Benny Goodman' celebrates not only the virtuoso pioneer of American swing music but captures the vibrant joy of a simple unadorned melody played with feeling and conviction," said one review in Critical Jazz.

For live performances, Bliss offers an unbiased point of view about the work of Goodman, talking the audience through the music and sharing anecdotes and stories about Goodman's life, all delivered with humor. For more information about Julian Bliss and his band, visit www.julianbliss.com.

Tickets for this performance can be purchased by visiting the CPS Box Office, located in the lobby of SUNY Potsdam's Performing Arts Center, by calling (315) 267-2277 or by visiting http://www.cpspotsdam.org. Single tickets can also be purchased in-person at Brick & Mortar Music in downtown Potsdam.

Ticket prices for this concert range from $11 to $30, with discounts for seniors, SUNY Potsdam faculty and staff, and any local or college student.

For more information about the 2018-19 CPS Guest Artist Series season and artists, visit http://www.cpspotsdam.org, or the CPS Facebook page, at http://www.facebook.com/cpspotsdam.

About Community Performance Series:

The Community Performance Series is a college-community partnership presenting distinctive and renowned performing artists and arts education opportunities in Northern New York. This rich mixture of programming links communities, classrooms and audiences of all ages and preserves access to the performing arts for future generations. For more information, visit http://www.cpspotsdam.org.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of only three arts campuses in the entire SUNY system. SUNY Potsdam's arts curriculum offers the full palette: music, theatre, dance, fine arts and creative writing. No matter the discipline, people from all backgrounds can find their creative compass at Potsdam, with myriad arts immersion experiences available for both campus and community. To learn more, visit http://www.potsdam.edu.

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