Border Jazz Orchestra to perform free scholarship benefit concert at NMSU

The May 10 concert will feature student performers and raise funds for a local jazz scholarship program

Organ Mountain News report

The Border Jazz Orchestra will present a scholarship benefit concert at 7 p.m. Friday, May 10, at Atkinson Recital Hall on the New Mexico State University campus. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to support the Mesilla Valley Jazz and Blues Society’s Bob Burns/Helen Sachs Scholarship Fund.

The fund has helped dozens of aspiring jazz musicians pursue their education, and three of its past recipients will take the stage alongside the professional ensemble during the concert.

Local vocalist and trio to take the spotlight

The program features vocalist Jessika Brust, a member of the orchestra, performing with her trio The Ivory Jazz Foxes. Their set will include Brust’s own arrangements of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and Christina Aguilera’s “Candyman.”

Additional highlights include original arrangements by Bob Leatherman, Mike Tamaro and Mike Kamuf. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

A Mother’s Day tribute, and a legacy of jazz

Border Jazz Orchestra director Dr. Pancho Romero will also perform an arrangement of “A Mis Abuelos,” a tribute to mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers in honor of Mother’s Day weekend.

Founded in 1991 by Romero, the Border Jazz Orchestra is composed of some of the region’s most accomplished jazz musicians, including many educators. Over the years, the group has performed with jazz legends such as Chris Vadala, John Fedchock, Bobby Shew and Hilary Smith, and with acts like The Supremes, The Temptations and the Glen Miller Band.

About the director

Romero, a professor emeritus at NMSU and an internationally recognized trumpet player, has toured in cities including Paris, Prague, Valencia and Montreal. He has produced four acclaimed albums and remains active in multiple regional ensembles.

If you go

WHO: Border Jazz Orchestra, featuring Jessika Brust and student scholarship recipients
WHEN: Friday, May 10; doors at 6:30 p.m., concert at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Atkinson Recital Hall, NMSU campus
COST: Free; donations encouraged for the Mesilla Valley Jazz and Blues Society scholarship fund

Keep reading:

• What we’re hearing: Behind the scenes, we’re rethinking how stories travel
• New Mexico health officials warn of measles risk ahead of summer travel and events
• Michael Ybarra found guilty in child sexual abuse case