Kevin Eisensmith, reporter

The Late Night Jam Sessions for the conference are being held at the Landmark Americana Tap & Grille, just a short drive from the Rowan campus. The Landmark features a varied menu and a wide variety of bottled and draft beers. The Jam Sessions are being held in one of the back rooms. This is the perfect “hang” following a long day at the conference!

The first Jam Session was well attended, and was hosted by Trent Austin who currently plays lead trumpet with the Artie Shaw Orchestra. Austin is in demand in the Boston area as a jazz soloist. He is also on the faculty at the University of Southern Maine, teaches trumpet in the Wakefield, MA music department, and has a highly successful private studio in the Boston Suburb of Salem, MA. His new CD, entitled Two-Toned, features duo performances with some of his close friends. Austin opened the evening with an exciting rendition of Have You Met Miss Jones. Austin was backed-up by the Rowan Faculty Combo: George Genna - piano, Douglas Mapp - bass, and Jim Miller - drums.

Joining Austin on stage for the next piece were ITG Board member Pat Harbison and George Rabbai, adjunct professor of trumpet at Rowan University, and director of the Rowan University Jazz Ensemble. Following their performance, Austin began to invite students and other players to the stage, usually in groups of three, to be featured with the rhythm section. Many fine players were heard, and Austin even let a few sax players sit in!

The Late Night Jam Session was a great way to conclude the opening day of the conference. Conference attendees who were willing to stay up late were treated to a terrific evening of jazz.