Jazz Alive Celebration: An Evening of Musical Mastery with the Antonio Hart Quartet

The soulful melodies of jazz will fill the Bowman Auditorium as Ohio University Southern and Jazz Alive present an evening to remember. Mark your calendars for April 26, at 7:30 p.m. as the Antonio Hart Quartet takes center stage in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month.

Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Jazz Alive is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the art form of jazz. Its mission, deeply rooted in the bebop era to the present day, aims to foster greater understanding and appreciation for this quintessentially American music genre. This year, Jazz Alive pulled out all the stops, collaborating with Ohio University Southern to bring the incomparable Antonio Hart Quartet to the Tri-State region.

Antonio Hart, a Baltimore native and saxophonist extraordinaire, leads the quartet with a resume as impressive as his talent. A graduate of the Baltimore School of the Performing Arts and Berklee College of Music, Hart's musical journey has taken him far and wide. His 1997 Grammy-nominated album "Here I Stand" showcased his virtuosity and passion for jazz, earning him accolades and recognition worldwide. Now, as a tenured professor and director of jazz studies at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queen’s College, Hart continues to inspire and educate budding musicians.

Joining Hart on stage are three equally accomplished musicians, each bringing their unique flair to the performance. Dan Karlsberg, the maestro on piano, boasts a discography of six albums and is a respected figure in Cincinnati's jazz scene. His compositions, infused with creativity and skill, promise to captivate audiences throughout the evening.

On bass is Justin Dawson, a Dayton native whose musical journey began at the tender age of five. Well-versed in genres ranging from rock to R&B, Dawson's versatility shines as he lays down the rhythm with finesse and passion. As the coordinator of weekly jam sessions at Northside’s Liberty Exhibition Hall Lounge, Dawson is a fixture in Cincinnati's vibrant music community.

Completing the quartet is Phillip Tipton, a drumming virtuoso born into a family of percussionists. With a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music under his belt, Tipton has honed his craft alongside jazz legends and Christian artists alike. His rhythmic prowess and dynamic energy promise to keep toes tapping and hearts racing throughout the night.

But the celebration doesn't stop there. In the days leading up to the performance, the Antonio Hart Quartet will engage in educational outreach with schools in Ohio and Kentucky, inspiring the next generation of jazz aficionados.

Let the music of the Antonio Hart Quartet transport you through time and sound as we celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month. The event promises to be an unforgettable evening of musical mastery and soulful melodies.