BGSU's annual Jazz Week features 'Blue Lou' Marini

Today begins the University's 2004 Jazz Week featuring saxophonist "Blue Lou" Marini.
The Bowling Green native and member of the original "Saturday Night Live" Band from 1976-83 will be heard in several concerts throughout the week.

In addition to making several appearances on the David Letterman show, he has performed alongside musicians such as Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder.

His role in Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi's 1980 film "The Blues Brothers" earned him the nickname "Blue Lou." Marini also has contributed to films such as "Hair," "True Colors," "Blues Brothers 2000" and, most recently, "A Family Thing" starring Robert Duvall and James Earl Jones.

He released a big band album, "Lou's Blues," in January on the Chase Music Group Label.

This is Marini's second visit to BGSU this year. He appeared in the 2003 BGSU Homecoming football game halftime show.

Jazz Week begins at the Moore Musical Arts Center today (April 5) at 8 p.m. with a performance by the Jazz Guitar and Vocal Jazz ensembles in Bryan Recital Hall.

The Faculty Jazz Trio will be joined by Marini and Wendell Jones, professor emeritus of music, in a Faculty Artist Series concert at 8 p.m. Wednesday (April 7) in Bryan Recital Hall. Members of the trio are Chris Buzzelli, guitar; Jeff Halsey, double bass, and Roger Schupp, drums.

On Thursday (April 8), Marini will perform with the Jazz Lab Band I, directed by Halsey, at 8 p.m. in Kobacker Hall.

The final event on Friday (April 9) will feature the Student Jazz Combos at 8 p.m. in Bryan Recital Hall.

Marini's residency is made possible by a grant from Dr. and Mrs. David M. Scott, Marlene Norton, Jerry Liss, Pisanello's, and Norton and Stott, Inc.