WOW and Westfield State University have once again teamed up for the upcoming Spring edition of their popular concerts series that celebrates the talented student musicians, alumni and faculty of the university, as well as regional and notional artists of note. This year’s program spotlights jazz, Broadway, classical, pop and the saxophone.
WOW AND WSU’s FREE “UP CLOSE AND MUSICAL” CONCERT THIS FRIDAY, February 21, 2025
The free Up Close and Musical series, produced by Westfield on Weekends and the Westfield State University Music Department will resume for its spring season, this Friday evening, February 21 at 7 pm at WOW’s Creative Arts Center, 105 Elm Street in downtown Westfield with a wide-ranging evening of music.
Dr. Ed Orgill, WOW board member and WSU Chair of the Music Department notes that Friday’s concert will feature yet another special evening in an intimate setting, spotlighting classical, jazz and vocal music “From Beethoven to Broadway,” as the program is called.
“Up Close has become a popular opportunity for our students, who now rehearse special performances for this exceptional showcase,” Orgill explained. “Friday’s program will spotlight solo and ensemble numbers by musicians whom downtown audiences have come to know, as well as some students who are making their debuts.
As in the past, a Q & A session follows each performance that allow the students musicians and vocal artists to explain their processes, instruments and musical choices.
Kathi Bradford, director of the Creative Arts Center, has invited “Up Close” attendees to arrive early so that they can enjoy the current exhibit at the “The Quilts of Edjohnetta Miller” that is opening this week.
Friday, February 21
Downtown Music Series: Up Close and Musical
Students and faculty present an evening of live music and conversation in downtown Westfield
7:00pm | Westfield on Weekends Creative Arts Center
105 Elm Street, Westfield
Monday, March 3
Departmental Recital
Classical, jazz, and contemporary works featuring student performers
3:10pm | Dever Stage
Friday, March 21
Downtown Music Series: Up Close and Musical
Students and faculty present an evening
of live music and conversation in downtown Westfield
7:00pm | Westfield on Weekends Creative Arts Center
105 Elm Street, Westfield
Tuesday, March 25
Guest Artist Series: James Jackson
Westfield Music Alumnus James Jackson weaves performances into
demonstrations and group participation activities exploring the
value and richness of self-identity in performance.
3:45pm | Catherine Dower Center 134
Monday, March 31
Guest Artist Series: Masterclass and Performance
Cobus du Toit, flute
South African native Cobus du Toit is praised for technical facility that makes everything look easy (Opus Colorado) and rich tone that is especially impressive (Herald Tribune). Pretoria News declared: “du Toit makes you believe the impossible. With du Toit in flight one is never aware of technique alone. He is driven by purely musical inspiration.”
3:10pm – 5:00pm | Catherine Dower Center 134
For the current calendar, please click HERE!
The “Up Close” series is made possible with a grant from the Westfield Cultural Council, a local program of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, in-kind assistance from Westfield State University and donations from the general public and audience members.
WOW’s Creative Arts Center is a program of Westfield on Weekends, a 501 (c)(3) volunteer non-profit which seeks to enhance community life through accessible and affordable programming that celebrates the diversity of life in Westfield.
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