The Community Council for the Arts is hosting An Evening of Jazz with the Ira Wiggins Quartet, featuring Marvin Wiggins, Jr., tonight from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Arts Center. The Arts Center is located at 400 N. Queen St. in Kinston.
The Ira Wiggins Quartet consists of Dr. Ira Wiggins (tenor saxophone and flute), Ryan Hanseler (piano), Lance Scott (bass), and Theous Jones (drums). Featured artist Marvin Wiggins, Jr. plays alto saxophone.
Kinston natives and brothers, Ira and Marvin Wiggins, were raised in a family of musicians, including their father Marvin Wiggins, Sr. and brother, Robert Wiggins. Their formative years of jazz eventually led both of them to distinctive and successful musical careers. Both brothers are part of the African-American Music Trail Project.
Marvin has been playing saxophone for more than 40 years and has played and/or toured with such artists as Percy Sled, Sonny Warner and Gene Chandler. Marvin may often be heard leading “The Groove Connection Band,” and he lives and works in Washington, D.C.
Ira holds a Ph.D. in Music Education and is Director of Jazz Studies at North Carolina Central University. As a saxophonist/flutist, Wiggins is a highly respected musician and educator with 15 albums to his credit as a sideman and soloist. He has shared the stage with Jimmy Heath, Grady Tate, Nnenna Freelon, Fred Wesley, Louie Bellson, Vanessa Rubin, Ellis Marsalis, Branford Marsalis and others. Ira also performs with the North Carolina Symphony as a soloist and orchestra member for their “pops” series and special concerts.
Complimentary soft drinks are available. There will be an adult beverage cash bar. Although this is a free concert, donations are gladly accepted with any proceeds benefiting the Community Council for the Arts. Limited seating is available and only ticket holders will be admitted. Free tickets should be reserved in advance by contacting the Arts Center at 252-527-2517. Tickets may also be acquired in person at the Arts Center.