The Santa Monica College Music Department will open its fall Friday Night Jazz Series on Oct. 16 with the Marvin "Smitty" Smith Octet. A benefit concert, "Some of My Best Musicians Are Friends," follows Nov. 13.
Concerts begin at 7 p.m. in the Music Hall at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St. (at Santa Monica Boulevard).
Smith, a renowned drummer, has performed around the world for the past 50 years with artists including Steve Coleman, the late Sonny Rollins, Dave Holland and Sting. He was also the drummer for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" for 15 years. Tickets are $10 general admission, plus a service charge, at smc.edu/tickets. Admission is free for students with any student ID.
The Nov. 13 benefit supports the series and features an all-star lineup: Eric Scott Reed, Ralph Moore, Ira Nepus, Edwin Livingston, Smith, Gilbert Castellanos, Clay Jenkins and special surprise guests. The evening will present small ensemble and big band material, then evolve into a celebratory jam session.
The concert honors the series' more than 40-year history. Past performers include John, Jeff and Gerald Clayton, Kim Richmond, Dave Scott, Rich Perry, Francisco Aguabella, Bob Mintzer, Peter Erskine, Eric Person, Theo Saunders, Kevin Brandon, Paul Jackson, Justo Almario, George Bohanon, Oscar Brashear and Jon Mayer.
Tickets are $30 general admission and $10 for students with any student ID, plus a service charge, at smc.edu/tickets.
Tickets may also be purchased starting 45 minutes before each performance at The Broad Stage box office at the SMC Performing Arts Center. Parking is free on the premises. Seating is strictly first-arrival.
For more information, call 310-434-4323. Concerts are subject to change or cancellation without notice. The latest details are posted at smc.edu/events.
Edited by SMDP Staff