Jazz legend Jon Hendricks is slated to perform at a benefit concert to raise funds for UT music faculty member and well-known pianist Claude Black.
Jon Hendricks sang in the Student Union in 2009.
“Claude was admitted to The University of Toledo Medical Center just before Christmas with failing kidneys, high blood pressure and the return of cancer,” said Gunnar Mossblad, director of the UT Jazz Studies Program and professor of music.
“He has finished his radiation treatment and is at his new apartment resting and trying to build up his strength,” Mossblad said. “He has, of course, found a piano in his building and for a minute was doing some playing, but his energy level has been low this last week. But his spirit is as bright a light as always.”
Hendricks, UT Distinguished Professor of Jazz, is considered the father of vocalese — the art of setting lyrics to established jazz standards.
The icon and other singers will perform with the UT jazz faculty group, CrossCurrents.
Tickets are $3 for students and seniors and $5 for the public; 100 percent of the admission proceeds will go to Black. Additional donations will be accepted.
For more information, contact Mossblad at gunnar.mossblad@utoledo.edu or 419.530.4555.
