Wayne Bergeron teams up with Nebraska Jazz Orchestra Oct. 15

Jazz lovers can come to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Lied Center for Performing Arts to experience a night of world-class music 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 when Wayne Bergeron joins up with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra.

Wayne Bergeron is considered to be one of L.A.'s most highly sought-after and award-winning trumpet players. He has been involved with numerous famous recording artists ranging from Beyonce to Josh Groban and from Barry Manilow to "Weird Al" Yankovic. His movie credits are just as extensive, with his trumpet being heard in countless movies such as "Catch Me if You Can," "Finding Nemo," "Hot Rod," and "The Day After Tomorrow," to name a few. He can also be heard on the theme song for the hit television show "Family Guy."

In 1986 Bergeron landed the lead trumpet position with the Maynard Ferguson Band. He can be heard on such Maynard Ferguson recordings as "Body and Soul," "Big Bop Nouveau," and "Brass Attitude." Remarking on the talented trumpet player years ago, Ferguson (now deceased) had this to say during a radio interview: "Wayne is the most musical lead trumpet player I've ever had on my band." The audience can expect nothing less than swinging jazz, amazing ensembles, as well as one-liners, inside jokes and general hilarity from Bergeron in this concert featuring "Waynard plays Maynard."

Bergeron will perform with Nebraska's premier jazz group, The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra. The orchestra began in 1975 and has become one of the Midwest's premiere big bands. "Jazz Times" called the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra "proof positive that jazz isn't just a New York or New Orleans or Chicago or Kansas City thing." The NJO has also produced seven volumes of recordings featuring more than 60 original compositions and arrangements written by the ensemble’s members, alumni and friends. More information on NJO can be found at www.artsincorporated.org/njo.

Ed Love, music director for Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, says "(the NJO is) thrilled to play with Wayne, a real legend among trumpet players and jazz lovers. His work with Maynard Ferguson's band endeared him to people all over the world, and his current stint with Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band has done nothing to tarnish his reputation as one of the best lead trumpet players ever."

Tickets and information are available at www.liedcenter.org or by calling (402) 472-4747. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12.50 for students. Discounts are available for groups of 20 people or more by calling Cheri Beery at (402) 472-4725.

The Lied Center for Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art performing arts facility. Opened in 1990, the Lied Center is Nebraska's "Home for the Arts." The facility offers major regional, national and international events designed to attract, entertain and inspire a statewide audience. The Lied Center and its programs are made possible through the generous 2010-11 season support of Christina Hixson and the Lied Foundation Trust, Friends of Lied, Ameritas and Union Bank.

Writer: Shannon McClure