Tosa East Hosts Homecoming Concert for Star Jazzman

In a musical homecoming, Milwaukee jazz trumpeter Brian Lynch will perform with the Northern Illinois Jazz Ensemble at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the 11th annual Great Night of Jazz concert at the East High auditiorium.

The Tosa East Jazz Ensemble I will open the show, under the direction of Robin and Rob Engel.

The night will also feature a special dedication ceremony for the new U.S. Postal Service Jazz Stamp, paying tribute to the American musical style that swept the world.

"We are very excited about this year's Great Night of Jazz event," Rob Engel said. "In addition to our very special guests, we are thrilled to be a part of the dedication of the new U.S. Postal Service jazz stamp. This will truly be a special night for the Wauwatosa community."

Coming on the heels of the triumphant theatrical run of "Phantom of the Opera" by the Tosa East Players, Wednesday's concert will put the spotlight on the high school's music program.

Special guest star Lynch has played with top names in jazz including Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and the Horace Silver Quintet, and has even collaborated with pop music icon Prince.

Currently on the music faculty of New York University, Lynch's own recordings have garnered multiple Grammy Award nominations and a win in 2006.

The NIU Jazz Ensemble was once called "my band" by jazz luminary Dizzy Gillespie and "one of the top collegiate bands in the nation" by the great Duke Ellington. Louis Bellson, Clark Terry and Wynton Marsalis are among the many jazz greats who have appeared with the NIU band.

Tickets are $15 on the main floor of the Dale K. Hidde Theater and $10 in the balcony for adults. Tickets for seniors and students are $8. All seats are reserved, and tickets will be available at the door if not sold out.

The concert benefits the Wauwatosa East High School Bands.