OKLAHOMA-BASED JAZZ MUSICIAN MARK JENKINS TO PERFORM IN ARMSTRONG’S 17TH PERFORMING ARTS SERIES

Jenkins’ My Favorite Jazz features pieces from well-known composers and local musicians

EDMOND, OKLAHOMA – Expert jazz musician Mark Jenkins has been playing for crowds since he was 12 years old. The Oklahoma-based pianist, singer, composer and arranger will team up with other local legends to present My Favorite Jazz at the second event of Armstrong Auditorium’s 17th performing arts season on Thursday, Nov. 5.

Jenkins has a long resume of awards and experience. As a classical pianist, he was the first place winner of the University of Oklahoma’s 1998 concerto competition and won first place in the 1999 Music Teachers Nationals Association collegiate state piano competition. Since college, however, he has been making a name for himself as a jazz singer, pianist, arranger, and recording artist.

“Mark is a true Oklahoma treasure,” said Ryan Malone, Armstrong Auditorium concert manager. “The audience is in for a real treat. He holds a variety of talents as a vocalist, pianist and all-around entertainer.”

Jenkins also studied voice under the distinguished Oklahoma baritone Thomas Carey, founder of Jazz in June and Cimarron Circuit Opera Company. He has performed on stage with greats including Branford Marsalis and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Nine albums have featured his classical and jazz work with the Herbert W. Armstrong College music faculty and he has starred in leading roles in three musicals at Armstrong Auditorium.

My Favorite Things features Jenkins’ personal favorite performances and recordings that inspired his passion for jazz. Incorporated pieces include works from Duke Ellington, Ellis Marsalis, Clifford Brown, George Gershwin along with special performances by local jazz musicians and some new compositions from Jenkins.

Armstrong Auditorium offers a luxurious venue for both performers and patrons. Each seat is spacious and comfortable, measuring four inches larger than standard seating and giving visitors plenty of elbowroom. Each chair is set in cast iron footing to eliminate vibration and every row gives an extra six inches of leg room from the seat in front.

Tickets to see Mark Jenkins begin at $15. For more information on ticket options, subscriptions, group rates or current exhibits, please visitwww.armstrongauditorium.org or call 405-285-1010.

Armstrong Auditorium
14400 S Bryant Rd
Edmond, OK 73034

Box office: 405-285-1010

2015-2016 Performing Arts Series

Mark Jenkins
My Favorite Jazz
Thu, Nov 5, 7:30 p.m.

Mozart Orchestra of New York
Last Three Mozart Symphonies
Thu, Nov 19, 7:30 p.m.

Sara Sant’Ambrogio
Chopin on the Cello
Thu, Jan 14, 7:30 p.m.

Moscow Festival Ballet
Cinderella
Mon, Jan 25, 7:30 p.m.

Sleeping Beauty
Tue, Jan 26, 7:30 p.m.
Mariachi Los Camperos
Thu, Feb 4, 7:30 p.m.

Band of Royal Marines and Scots Guards
Sun, Feb 14, 7:30 p.m.

Polish Baltic Philharmonic
Beethoven’s Fifth
Thu, Mar 3, 7:30 p.m.

Herbert W. Armstrong Choral Union
Song of Songs, by Ryan Malone
Thu, Apr 7, 7:30 p.m.

– (published October 14, 2015)