Kris Johnson to premier his composition with the SLC Jazz Orchestra

University of Utah Director of Jazz Studies, Kris Johnson, will be honored on Saturday, June 25, 2016, for his original composition entry for the “Jazz Com- poser’s Commission” award. This coveted award is given every year at the Utah Arts Festival. This year, that Saturday is the “Salt Lake City Jazz Festival Day at the Utah Arts Festival.”

The Salt Lake City Jazz Orchestra (SLCJO), under the direction of Jerry Floor, will perform Kris’ com- position, “A Shift West,” commissioned by the Utah Arts Festival, and will feature the composer/trumpet artist, Kris Johnson, on solo trumpet.

Kris has enormous credentials as a trumpet player, arranger, composer, and educator. He often performs with the Count Basie Orchestra and a number of other well known bands/orchestras. Kris is an extraordinary asset to the teaching staff of the U of U School of Music.

Also performing on that Saturday of the Festival, Brazilian vocalist/pianist, Clarice Assad, will take the stage with her band following performing two new arrangements written for her by Brian Booth, Jay Lawrence and Kurt Reeder, all members of the SLCJO. Brian and Jay are both past recipients of the Jazz Composer’s Commission award as well.

Clarice’s “warm-up” performance with the SLCJO will prepare the audience for a fabulous performance following with her own exciting band.

For tickets, visit the Utah Arts Festival website.