Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Hits Right Notes at Jazz Concert

Florida A&M University (FAMU) Lyceum Series presented Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis to a sold-out crowd. The show featured music by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and had the audience clapping their hands and tapping their feet. One song, “Red Wagon,” had guests laughing to the colorful lyrics, which were sung by musician and FAMU alumnus Vince Gardner.

“I think this concert was great,” said Nicole Cain, who attended the event. “I also think it (concert) is a wonderful compliment to what FAMU already does with its music program.”

Marsalis, who has been described as the most outstanding jazz musician and trumpeter of his generation, co-founded Jazz at Lincoln Center, an institution dedicated to jazz education and performance.

David Perry, a Tallahassee resident, said the show was excellent.

“The music, the interaction with the audience — it was all just amazing,” said Perry.

Gardner and Victor Goins, a former professor of jazz saxophone/woodwinds and jazz studies at FAMU, taught a master class to FAMU music students prior to the concert.

“Those who take the greatest risks, get the greatest returns,” Goins advised the students in the class.

Ralph Jean Paul, a music student, said he appreciated the advice and hopes more speakers come to FAMU to share real-life stories.

“I think it’s great when a professional player comes back and shares knowledge and experience with the students,” said Jean Paul. “It’s always good to come back home. I hope they come back again.”

The concert was a part of the 2009-2010 Lyceum Series.

“The Lyceum series is excellent for the campus and Tallahassee community,” Perry said. “Hopefully, it will ignite something in them.”