The University of Toledo Department of Music will present its annual Art Tatum Celebration Concert featuring guest jazz pianist Matthew Fries at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, in UToledo’s Center for Performing Arts Recital Hall.
Fries is a celebrated jazz pianist, as well as a composer, band leader and educator who teaches lessons, master classes and clinics around the world. He is a past winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition and a finalist in the American Pianists Association Jazz Piano Competition.
Jazz pianist Matthew Fries will perform at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 in UToledo’s Center for Performing Arts Recital Hall. Photo by Casey Spring.
Fries has toured internationally and recorded five albums with his trio TRI-FI, which have received rave reviews from DownBeat, All About Jazz and other publications.
Tickets to the Art Tatum Celebration Concert are $10 at the Tix.com UToledo website. Advance purchase is recommended, and transactions will be cash or check only at the box office before the performance. Tickets are free for UToledo students with Rocket Card IDs.
Visitor parking will require payment via the ParkMobile app, a parking meter or a daily permit via ParkUToledo. Visit the ParkUToledo website for more information.
The Art Tatum Celebration Concert is held annually to honor Art Tatum, a Toledo native regarded as one of the best-ever jazz pianists. His exceptional skill greatly expanded the genre, introducing new techniques and arrangements. His successful professional career included many successful recordings, a radio program and regular performances nationally and internationally.
