Music enthusiasts brave snow storm for jazz performance

Jazz flutist Galen performs at UNMC on Feb. 13. About 30 people braved heavy snow to attend Galen’ performance in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater. (Photo by Paul Kawacz, ITS Video Services)

Heavy snow couldn’t stop more than 30 diehard jazz enthusiasts who braved the elements to attend the Feb. 13 UNMC performance of jazz flutist, Galen.

Galen, who has performed for 25 yrs, had local musicians Matt Amandus on piano, Greg Ahl on drums and UNMC’s own Mark Loubee on bass accompany him during his performace titled “Notes at Noon” in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater.

Galen serenaded the audience with several jazz favorites while educating atttendees on the history of jazz music and great jazz artists. He said that he is “a product of the 60s … a great time to live in and a very turbulent time, as well.”

Watch the performance Click here to watch Galen’s performance at UNMC on Feb. 13.

Galen discussed a very important record company during the 60s, Blue Note Records, which produced records from notable jazz greats such as Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, John Coltrane, Hank Mobley and Cedar Walton.

Heads bopped as Galen and the trio performed Blakey’s “Moanin,” a very popular tune with a funky blues groove. Galen also performed a song by Brazilian composer Antônio Carlos Jobim called “Wave.” Carlos Jobim is the artist primarily responsible for the Bossa Nova music style.

The music pace slowed a bit with Thelonius Monk’s ballad, “Straight No Chaser” as Galen mesmerized the audience with his flute.

Frank Plummer, ITS Manager attended the performance and chatted with the musicians afterwards.

“It’s really great that we can have performances like this at UNMC,” Plummer said.

Galen’s performance was part of the UNMC Diversity Lectures and Cultural Arts Series celebration of Black History Month.

Future events in the UNMC Diversity Lectures and Cultural Arts Series include a March 5 performance by Cuban-American storyteller, Leeny Del Seamonds, an Asian Tea Festival on May 8, a performance by Mariachi Zapata on May 14, a tango performance by a dance troupe called “Dance Explosion!” on June 4 and a presentation by Omaha civic leader Ben Gray on June 19.

All events are free of charge, open to the public and include a free sack lunch. For more information, call 559-7394 or e-mail Lcunning@unmc.edu.