The Mingus Big Band, one of the most influential ensembles in contemporary jazz, will headline the 35th Purdue Jazz Festival on January 23, 2025 at 8:00pm in Loeb Playhouse.

Established in 1979 to celebrate the legacy of legendary bassist and composer Charles Mingus, the band brings his groundbreaking compositions to life, continuing to honor his musical vision. With a rich history of performing at New York’s top jazz venues and a commitment to spontaneous musical expression, the band remains a vital force in preserving and evolving Mingus’s legacy.

Mingus Big Band fuses gospel, New Orleans jazz, and the vibrant spirit of New York. With multiple Grammy® nominations and ten albums to their name, the band captivates audiences worldwide. Their live shows are marked by daring improvisations and an unwavering commitment to evolving Mingus’s music in fresh and exciting ways.

This event is made possible through the generous support of East End Grill, Ripple & Company, Drs. Marshall & Berdine Martin, Dr. Sandra Sydnor, Barash Law, Westminster Village, Purdue University Bands & Orchestras, TBIRD Design Services, and M.P. Baker Electric.

Meet the players celebrating the Legacy of Charles Mingus

Tatum Greenblatt, Trumpet

Tatum Greenblatt, a versatile trumpet player, has performed with top artists like Richard Bona, Wynton Marsalis, and Maria Schneider. He served as the trumpet player for Broadway’s Beautiful and teaches at Juilliard and Rutgers. Greenblatt is also a passionate music educator, leading workshops and mentoring students worldwide.

Dr. Alexander Norris, Trumpet

Dr. Alexander Norris is a skilled trumpeter, composer, arranger, and educator in New York City. He performs with top jazz and Latin artists like Ron Carter, Pat Martino, and Maria Schneider. Norris teaches at the City College of New York, University of Arkansas, and Peabody Conservatory.

Philip Harper, Trumpet

Philip Harper, a trumpeter from Baltimore, studied under Jackie McLean and played with jazz legends such as Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Betty Carter, and Cedar Walton. He formed the Harper Brothers with his brother Winard, releasing several successful albums. Harper has recorded over 50 albums and toured extensively worldwide.

Craig Handy, Tenor Saxophone

Craig Handy, a talented saxophonist from Oakland, CA, has worked with jazz legends like Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, and Betty Carter. He led his own bands and released acclaimed albums, including Split Second Timing and Reflections in Change. Handy also toured with Herbie Hancock and recorded with notable artists like Joe Henderson and Wynton Marsalis.

Mark Gross, Alto, Soprano Saxophones & Flute

Two-time Grammy® Award winner Mark Gross has recorded over 40 jazz albums and performed globally with artists like Delfeayo Marsalis, Dizzy Gillespie Big Band, and Dave Holland. He was also the lead reed player for the Broadway show Ain’t Too Proud. A product of Baltimore’s gospel and classical music scene, Gross is a respected jazz innovator.

Sarah Hanahan, Alto Saxophone

Sarah Hanahan is a rising jazz saxophonist based in New York City. A graduate of the Hartt School and Juilliard, she has worked with notable musicians like Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and Jason Moran. Hanahan performs regularly at top NYC venues and tours internationally with various groups. She was featured in NPR’s Jazz Night in America as part of the Youngbloods class.

Lauren Sevian, Baritone Saxophone

Grammy-winning baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian is a versatile musician, bandleader, and educator. A prominent figure in NYC jazz, she has performed with Steely Dan, Christian McBride, and the Count Basie Orchestra. Her acclaimed albums Blueprint and Bliss showcase her talent. Sevian also teaches at Berklee and adjudicates jazz competitions.

Abraham Burton, Tenor Saxophone & Flute

Abraham Burton is a world-renowned saxophonist and educator with over three decades in jazz. He has performed and recorded with legends like Art Taylor, Roy Hargrove, and Christian McBride. As a bandleader, he’s released numerous albums and performed at major jazz festivals. Burton also teaches at Rutgers and the University of Hartford.

Joe Fiedler, Trombone

Joe Fiedler is a highly respected trombonist known for his experimental style and extensive work in jazz, Afro-Caribbean, and pop. He’s played with top artists, including Celia Cruz and Jennifer Lopez, and contributed to In the Heights and Sesame Street. His latest album, Open Sesame, reflects his unique musical journey.

Conrad Herwig, Trombone

Conrad Herwig is an acclaimed jazz trombonist with 28 albums as a leader and four Grammy nominations. He has performed with legends like Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, and Eddie Palmieri, and toured globally. Herwig has been voted #1 Jazz Trombonist three times in DownBeat’s “Jazz Critic’s Poll.”

Earl McIntyre, Bass Trombone & Tuba

Earl McIntyre, a multi-instrumentalist and composer from Brooklyn, has performed with legends like Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin. A recipient of National Endowment for the Arts grants, he has appeared on Grammy-winning albums and has taught at several universities and arts organizations, including Long Island University and The New School.

Donald Edwards, Drums

Donald Edwards, a versatile drummer and composer, has performed globally with top musicians in various genres. A 2018 Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works Grant recipient, Edwards is known for his creativity and virtuosity. With four leader recordings, he’s an influential figure in the New York jazz scene.

Barry Stephenson, Bass

New York City-based bassist and composer Barry Stephenson is known for his versatility. His 2020 album The Iconoclast was nominated for an NAACP Image Award® for Outstanding Jazz Album (Instrumental) and named one of Offbeat magazine’s Top 50 Albums of 2020, marking a significant achievement in his career.

David Kikoski, Piano

Jazz pianist Dave Kikoski, known for his post-bop style, became a prominent figure on the New York jazz scene in the 1980s. He has worked with renowned artists such as Roy Haynes, Bob Berg, and Randy Brecker, establishing himself as a versatile and skilled performer in the jazz world.

About The 35^th Annual Purdue Jazz Festival

Jazz bands from middle schools and high schools across the Midwest will converge on Purdue University January 23-25, 2025 for the 35rd annual Purdue Jazz Festival. In addition to their concert on January 23, members of The Mingus Big Band will lead educational clinics on January 24, offering aspiring musicians a rare opportunity to learn from some of the finest jazz artists in the world. Visit purdue.edu/bands/jazz-festival for details.

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