Steve Nelson
Renowned vibraphonist Steve Nelson will perform Friday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the
University of Wyoming’s Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall.
Tickets are $12 for the public, $8 for senior citizens and $6 for students. A nominal
processing fee will be charged for each ticket. To purchase tickets, visit the Performing
Arts box office, call (307) 766-6666 or go online at www.tix.com/ticket-sales/uwyo/6984.
The first set will feature Nelson performing alongside the Wyoming Jazz Ensemble,
Wyoming’s premier big band. The second set will feature UW’s Live Edge Trio and Nelson
performing music off their upcoming record. Live Edge Trio is composed of UW Department
of Music faculty members Seth Lewis, bass; Ben Markley, piano; and Andy Wheelock,
drums.
Widely acknowledged as one of the most highly regarded vibraphonists of his generation,
Nelson is known for his inventive and fluidly harmonic approach. He began his career
following the path blazed by his first major influence, Milt Jackson. After a college
stint with guitarist Grant Green, Nelson performed and recorded with James Spaulding
and Kenny Barron, before landing a spot in David “Fathead” Newman’s quintet.
Nelson has been the vibist of choice among some of jazz’s most iconic artists, including
Johnny Griffin, Jackie McLean, Bobby Watson, Curtis Lundy, James Williams and Lewis
Nash. He is a veteran member of Dave Holland’s quintet and big band, and the George
Shearing Quintet. Additionally, he was a frequent collaborator with Mulgrew Miller
on his Wingspan sextet.
He has appeared on numerous recordings and at concerts and festivals worldwide, including
the Newport Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Montreal International
Jazz Festival and the Netherlands International Jazz Festival.
Nelson is a dedicated educator with previous positions at Princeton University, William
Paterson University and Conservatorium van Amsterdam. He is a 2021 Doris Duke Charitable
Foundation-supported New Jazz Works commissioned composer.
For more information, call Kathy Kirkaldie, UW Fine Arts coordinator, at (307) 766-2160
or email [email protected].