For the first time, ASU East can boast a fine arts series, starting Oct. 7.
Jay Busch, a lecturer at East and a drummer who has worked with musicians such as J.C. Heard, Joe LaBarbera and Dom Moio, will be kicking off an evening of music with the Metro Phoenix Jazz Orchestra in the Student Union Ballroom at 7 p.m.
It will be the first of four in a series of concerts held at East this year. The music will be a mix of swing, be-bop and fusion jazz. The next three concerts will vary in music and style.
Busch said he hoped for "a hot night of music with a great turnout. I hope to see some staff and faculty, as well as students and families ... come out to have a good time."
Busch said he and Mike Mader, director of student services, have been discussing the idea of starting a series of music concerts at the East campus for several years, but the idea never was implemented due to the lack of funds.
Busch said the series is a "speculative venture" in that the musicians are passionate about jazz and happy to have the opportunity to "play jazz in a creative context."
"Whatever we can do [earn] at $5 per person, that's what we do," Busch said referring to ticket sales.
David Schwalm, vice provost at East, said the new series was a good addition to East campus.
"I am delighted. We need to have more of this kind of entertainment at East, and maybe participation will be possible for East students [musicians] in the future," she said.
Different types of music will be played in the series, Busch said. "We'll mix it up so it is not always the same." He suggested the possibility of presenting music from various cultures.
John Hollendoner, a graphics information and technology junior said, "There isn't a whole lot out here [at East]."
Hollendoner, who is a student at both east and main campus, said he'd "like to hear rock alternative during the day."
Golf management sophomore Ryan Silverstein said he would attend concerts at East if it was convenient and "worth checking out."
Silverstein also said "there is more [music] at Main; I'd like to see more here [at East]."
Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the help desk in the Student Union.
The MPJO features a 10-piece ensemble and is led by director and woodwind specialist Kevin Blatchford and executive director and drummer Busch.
The MPJO is supported by the Arizona Commission of the Arts as a part of the Artists in Education Touring Roster. All proceeds will go to cover performance fees and costs of production.
Schwalm said of Busch, "He's been working hard to put something together ... and he is one fine drummer."
The first two concerts will be held Oct. 7 and Nov. 13, and the next two are scheduled tentatively for February and April.
Reach the reporter at erika.camardella@asu.edu.
