Six-time Grammy nominated guitarist Mike Stern will visit OU as a part of the School of Music's Resonance Series Sunday through Tuesday.
Stern has a decorated career as the former guitarist for Grammy winning jazz-rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears as well as being named Guitar Player magazine’s best jazz guitarist of 1993.
Visiting with Stern is the rest of his quintet of musicians, including guitarist Leni Stern, bassist Jimmy Haslip, drummer Steve Pruitt and saxophonist Bob Franceschini.
Each musician has had success in their respective fields, with Leni Stern being included in Guitar Player magazine’s 50 most sensational female guitarists of all time” list from their 50th anniversary issue, while Bob Franceschini has five Grammy nominations and toured with legends like Celine Dion and Paul Simon.
Bassist Jimmy Haslip is a founding member of the groundbreaking band YellowJackets, winning two Grammys, and drummer Steve Pruitt is a native Oklahoman who has performed with musicians such as Jeff Lorber.
The visit will involve a quintet performance, collaboration with OU jazz bands, masterclasses for student musicians and Q&A sessions.
The Resonance Series is a residency series that has brought over 70 acclaimed music professionals to OU since its formation in 2020 to share their experience and talents with students.
Tickets for the quintet’s opening performance and collaboration with OU Jazz Bands are available online and at the box office for $11 and other events are free to the public.
The full schedule includes:
Mike Stern Quintet Performance, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at Sharp Concert Hall in Catlett Music Center.
Teaching General Music Class (General Workshop/Q&A), 9 to 9:50 a.m. Monday in Catlett room 032
Resonance Full Band Q&A, noon to 12:50 p.m. Monday in Catlett room 109.
OU Jazz Bands Concert ft. Mike Stern Quintet, 8 to 9:15 p.m. Monday at Sharp Concert Hall.
Jazz Improv Class, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Fred Jones Art Museum’s Sandy Bell Gallery.
Drumset & Bass Masterclass, 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. Tuesday in Catlett room 107A.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
