Sax Legend Jeff Clayton To Appear With CSUSB Jazz Ensemble At Lakeside HS

A special one-night-only jazz concert is scheduled at Lakeside High School April 5, but tickets will only be available while they last.

Jeffrey Clayton, legendary alto saxophonist and co-leader of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, will be joining the Lakeside High School Jazz Ensemble and special guest, the CSU San Bernardino Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Bob Knop for one evening of jazz performances.

Clayton has worked with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, The Count Basie Band, Thad Jones, Dianna Krall, Ray Brown and many other greats across myriad genres of art and commercial music. His 2009 release with brother John entitled Brother to Brother received a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, according to a news release from Lakeside High School.

The CSUSB Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Knop, “is a versatile, high energy ensemble that has distinguished itself throughout extensive performances across southern California. The ensemble is featured in many local jazz festivals including annual festivals at Bloomington and San Bernardino High Schools. The group performs regularly at major jazz festivals including the Reno Jazz Festival held annually at the University of Nevada where the band has received top 10 placements in the four-year College Band Category,” the release continued.

Joining Clayton on stage will be Lakeside’s very own vocalist Valerie Geason. She stars in the Welk Resort production of Chicago and has appeared with Ray Charles, John and Jeff Clayton, and many other fine artists, the release stated.

Tickets for the 7 p.m. show at Lakeside’s Rotary Performing Arts Center located at 32593 Riverside Drive are available through the school’s band office.

Ticket prices are $7 for students/seniors and $10 for adults; $15 at the door. 

For more information, contact Christopher W. Fossmo, director of bands at Lakeside High School; (951) 253-7300 ext. 2302.