UC Merced Global Arts Studies Program presents two free spring concerts, “Songs of Spring,” featuring original music and selections from each of the performers' musical backgrounds, including Brazilian and Latin music, jazz, blues, Nordic tunes and musical theater, performed by Global Arts Studies faculty members, students and guest musicians.
The performances are offered at 7 p.m. Friday, April 27, at the Multicultural Arts Center, 645 W. Main St., Merced, and at 7 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the Lakireddy Auditorium on the UC Merced campus. Both are open to everyone.
The eclectic mix of music includes songs by Jobim, Agustin Lara, Radiohead, Villa-Lobos, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Freddie Hubbard, Tito Puente and others.
Faculty performers include vocalist Jenni Samuelson, saxophonist Jayson Beaster-Jones, flutist David Kaminsky, pianist Patricia Vergara, guitarist Paul Gibbons and guest musicians Carlos Caro, a sought-after Cuban percussionist, and David Hofland on bass.
UC Merced students from the swing band directed by Beaster-Jones; other faculty members such as Nella Van Dyke from sociology; a staff member, Rico Johnson; and a Merced conga drumming group will also make guest appearances.
For more information, call 209-228-2453 or email pvergara2@ucmerced.edu.
