Jazz Ensemble and Saxophonist Erena Terakuboto to Perform at Jazz St. Louis on March 4

The Jefferson College Jazz Ensemble will feature internationally acclaimed musician Erena Terakubo in a concert at Jazz St. Louis on Tuesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. in celebration of Mardi Gras and the ensemble’s 2025 trip to New Orleans.

This marks the first time that a Jefferson College group has been invited to perform at the prestigious venue located near the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

Tickets are $20-$25 and can be purchased online at my.jazzstl.org or at the door depending on availability. Attendees may select from floor or balcony seating. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.

Jazz St. Louis is known widely for its intimate performance space and has earned praise from artists and patrons alike as one of the best listening rooms in the country. Each year, the organization presents over 270 performances in its highly celebrated concert series. Hundreds of local and nationally renowned musicians, such as Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, Harry Connick, Jr., and Al Jarreau have graced the Jazz St. Louis stage.

“For those that may have never been to Jazz St. Louis, it’s an absolutely beautiful venue and a great place not only to hear music but also to see it up close,” said Vanderheyden. “You’re never very far away from the performers and it almost feels like you’re on the stage with them.”

Guest artist Erena Terakubo is a multi-talented saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist, composer, arranger, and educator from Sapporo, Japan. She is an international sensation whose career performances stretch five continents. While still in high school, her debut album "North Bird" reached #1 on the Japanese jazz charts and was awarded Swing Journal's Gold Disc. Her broad experience has inspired five albums since.

Terakubo will join the ensemble in presenting a variety of styles, mixing classic jazz tunes and new compositions, including “Del Sasser” by Cannonball Aderly arranged by Terakubo, “Shiny Stockings” by Frank Foster, “Quintessence” by Quincy Jones, “Groovin’ High” by Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie featuring Jefferson College trumpet instructor Dustin Shrum, and “Mississippi Mojo” by Joel Vanderheyden.

The Jefferson College Jazz Ensemble has been a flagship performance group at the college for over 50 years. The ensemble has performed in New York, Chicago, and New Orleans, and was selected to perform at the 2024 Missouri Music Educators Association Conference. The ensemble is directed by Dr. Joel Vanderheyden who has led the jazz program for 15 years and is highly respected as an educator, performer, and composer.

Ensemble members include Tyler Cope, Liam West, Joaquin Stewart, Chase Karr, Liv Hartwell, Keller McCowen on saxophone; Bob Brazzle, Oliver Nice, Jesse Stahlman, Kayla Price, Isaiah Lauer, Milo Chandler, Marshall Bedell on trumpet; Carl Courtois, Cameron Kleine, Chase Tipton, Jordan Partney, Carter Couch, Landon Kieckbusch on trombone; and Colton Bolte, Hank Shrader, Shepherd Krepps, Issac Dessau, Jude Short, Chris Shucart, Gabe Spitznagels on rhythm/percussion.

“My hope is that this is the first of many performances in venues like Jazz St. Louis,” said Vanderheyden. “Getting them exposed to these types of educational opportunities is an important part of the college experience.”

Terakubo is among many highly regarded visiting artists who have enthusiastically shared their knowledge and performing skills with students in the Music Education program, which has nearly 30 enrolled majors and many others who participate in bands, choirs and ensembles.

The Jefferson College Music Department is positioned for additional growth and participation as major renovations are underway to the Fine Arts building on the Hillsboro campus with the addition of a larger rehearsal hall adjacent to the theatre along with a new theatre lobby/entrance, elevator, and roadway improvements.