March 11, 2008: The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, Department of Ethnomusicology presented a “standing room only” big band jazz concert in special tribute to Gerald Wilson, who is retiring from the UCLA Jazz Studies program.
Bubba Jackson and Tommy Hawkins from radio station KJZZ emceed the event, with help from Friends of Jazz at UCLA Executive Director Kenny Burrell.
Wilson's compositions were performed by UCLA jazz faculty including Kenny Burrell; George Bohanon; Clayton Cameron; Tamir Hendelman; Roberto Miranda; Barbara Morrison; James Newton; Charles Owens; Bobby Rodriguez; Michele Weir, guest artists Ernie Andrews and Anthony Wilson, and student ensembles:
UCLA Jazz Orchestra, directed by Charley Harrison;
UCLA Latin Jazz Ensemble, directed by Bobby Rodriguez; and
UCLA Contemporary Jazz Ensemble, directed by Kenny Burrell and Roberto Miranda
Following the concert, the Friends of Jazz at UCLA hosted a private reception for Gerald in the Schoenberg Hall courtyard where friends and fans continued the celebration.
