The Clark State Performing Arts Center (PAC) will continue the Close to Home Community performance series on Wednesday, August 11 at 6 p.m. with the Collective Trio featuring special guest Bill Burns.
“Last summer’s ‘Close to Home’ series exceeded our expectations, so we brought it back for this summer,” said Adkins. “We expanded the name of the series to ‘Close to Home Community Series’ because this is a series for the community with all the performers from the community.”
The “Collective Trio” consists of the rhythm section of Mother’s Jazz Collective which has become a staple the past three years of every First Friday at Mother Stewarts Brewery. The Collective is a collection of some of the area’s finest musicians playing a variety of Jazz styles.
The trio, which last performed at Clark State with trumpeter Graham Breedlove, includes Rob Paddock on drums, Kent Brooks on piano, and John Wobbe on bass.
“We will be playing a collection of Jazz Standards made famous by such great performers as Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, and many more,” said Wobbe.
The Collective Trio’s Close to Home performance will feature saxophonist Bill Burns, an active jazz educator and performer. Burns is the director of the Centerville Jazz program and an adjunct professor at Sinclair College. He has performed with notables such as Diana Schuur, John Pizzarelli, and Arturo Sandoval as well as releasing several Jazz recordings.
“A couple of years ago, we were honored to accompany Graham Breedlove for his PAC performance and now thrilled to be included in the Close to Home series,” said Wobbe. “Live music, and in fact, all performing arts are not only important but crucial to a thriving community especially after the year we’ve all experienced. We appreciate the opportunity Clark State has given us and look forward to bringing live jazz music to Springfield.”
The Close to Home Community Series events are free of charge will be held in the outdoor courtyard between the PAC and HBC, 300 South Fountain Avenue. The Rudy’s Smokehouse food truck will be on site and a cash bar will be available.
Patrons attending the Close to Home Community Series are encouraged to bring their own seating and follow current state health directives for physical distancing and face coverings. Outdoor events may be moved indoors if inclement weather poses a hazard.