PORT ANGELES — Internationally known jazzman Mark Lewis is coming back to town for a concert of original music at Maier Performance Hall, Peninsula College’s acoustically crystalline space, Saturday night.
With the David Jones Jazz Trio backing him, Lewis will step up at 7 p.m. with general admission at $12 or, for all students, elementary- to college-level, just $5.
A Pacific Northwest native who has traveled across North America and Europe making music with the likes of Johnny Griffin, Bobby Hutcherson, Larry Grenadier and Carmen McRae, Lewis has come back to this region to be near his family. Now based in Bremerton, Lewis gave a jazz clinic earlier this month at Peninsula College.
Lewis’ Saturday concert will feature a trio of well-known jazz players from the region: David P. Jones, pianist and head of Peninsula College’s music department; drummer Terry Smith and bassist Ted Enderle.
Lewis himself plays the alto sax, baritone sax, flute and piano, and has recorded and produced more than 20 albums. His “In the Spirit” CD made the Top 40 on Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart.
“We in this area are fortunate to have him home,” Jones said in his news release about the concert.
Jazz pianist Barney McClure, a former mayor of Port Townsend, likewise hailed Lewis’ style, which he said is built on spontaneity and sharing the spotlight with the players around him.
“It is a joy to work with Mark Lewis,” said McClure.
Music lovers are encouraged to come early Saturday night, as tickets will be sold at the door only at Maier Hall, on the southeastern part of the Peninsula College campus at 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd.
To learn more about Lewis and hear examples of his playing and compositions, visit www.MarkLewisMusic.com.
For more information about this and other concerts at the college, contact Jones at 360-417-6405 or djones@pencol.edu.
