The Jazz on the Avenue Series is pleased to welcome home Nathan Bellott for a performance at the Yocum Institute for Arts Education.
The Gov. Mifflin High graduate is bringing his New York City-based jazz trio -- bassist Simon Willson and drummer Aaron Seeber -- to town on Friday, January 17, 7:00 p.m., to kick off the 2020 schedule for the Jazz on the Avenue series.
Then, on Saturday, Bellott and his band will be featured clinicians at the Get JazzED Instrumental Day at Wyomissing High School, where they will pass along pointers to the next generation of music makers.
Bellott, who reaped the benefits of growing up in the community that produces the Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest, moved away, and then, realizing the extent of his gratitude, started coming back to give back.
Get JazzED is the educational component of the Berks Jazz Fest. As a teenager, Bellott fondly recalls going to the Zeswitz Music Hall in Exeter Township to learn from professionals and join them onstage to gain invaluable experience.
After high school, Bellott left to study music performance at the State University of New York at Purchase, then transferred to the New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music in Manhattan, graduating in 2014.
Since then, he has leaped headlong into the New York music scene, performing with Hal Galper and the Youngbloods, teaching and becoming a first-call musician for big bands and other jazz ensembles.
Nathan was semi-finalist in the inaugural Michael Brecker International Saxophone Competition in 2019. Jazz fans around the world are starting to take note of Nathan’s beautiful sound, expression and unique artistry.
The Yocum Institute for Arts Education is pleased to have Nathan part of the Jazz on the Avenue series.