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The Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music at Â鶹ÊÓƵ will present a guest artist concert featuring the jazz duo of pianist Joe LoCascio and saxophonist Woody Witt. The performance will be in the Rothwell Recital Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. LoCascio and Witt will perform music from their latest CD, “Absinthe: The Music of Billy Strayhorn.” Admission is free.

“Having artists of this caliber coming to Â鶹ÊÓƵ always provides a great opportunity for our students to listen, learn and ask questions of seasoned professionals,” said Rick Condit, director of jazz studies and associate professor of saxophone. “Joe and Woody are consummate professionals – the best of the best.”

A pioneering African-American composer, arranger and pianist, was one of the forces behind the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He was the sole composer of many classic compositions, including the Ellington theme song, “Take The ‘A’ Train,” and the jazz classic “Lush Life.”

is professor of jazz studies and composition at Houston Community College. He teaches improvisation, arranging and composition, jazz ensemble, music fundamentals, music appreciation and improvisation theory.

Saxophonist is an affiliate artist at the University of Houston Moores School of Music and professor of jazz studies at Houston Community College - Town and Country campus. Witt also serves as the entertainment director of Houston's premiere jazz club, Cézanne.

Photo:

Woody Witt, left, and Joe LoCascio. Photo by Pin Lim, Forest Photography.