PREVIEW: Three events in three weeks for jazz lovers, including Delfeayo Marsalis in concert with UMass Jazz Ensemble 1

Pittsfield — Berkshires Jazz has brought to our attention three events that all jazz aficionados will want to be aware of.

First is the Jazz Composers Showcase taking place at the Berkshire Museum on Saturday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. as part of [Pittsfield’s 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival. Berkshires Jazz commissioned works from 10 jazz composers for premiere performances in the Berkshire Museum’s theater.

A trio consisting of pianist Eugene Uman, bassist Mary Ann McSweeney, and drummer Conor Meehan will accompany individual composers performing their own works on their own instruments (e.g., alto and tenor saxophones, guitar, piano, bass, drums, trumpet, and trombone).

And here are the 10 composers:

• Kris Allen
• Carolyn Dufraine
• Jason Ennis
• Anton Kot
• Daryl Lowery
• Peter McEachern
• Mary Ann McSweeney
• Joe Smith
• Richard Stanmeyer
• Eugene Uman

Doors open at 7 p.m. Meet-and-greet reception with cash bar will follow the concert.

General Admission: $25 advance, $30 day of event.
Berkshire Museum members: $20 advance, $25 day of event.
Tickets here.

The second event is “She Said / She Says,” a program at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center on Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m. highlighting the most important achievements of female composers, arrangers, instrumentalists, and vocalists from early 20th century through the present day. “She Said / She Says” is about women who have dedicated their lives to the serious study and practice of jazz music. The Metta Quintet, JazzReach‘s resident ensemble, will perform the program. JazzReach is a non-profit New York City organization dedicated to teaching and performing jazz music.

General admission: $20.
Mahaiwe members: $15.
Ages 12 and under: $10.
Tickets here.

Event number three is a concert at Shakespeare & Co. on Saturday, March 11 with the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Delfeayo Marsalis and his band performing Marsalis’ big-band arrangements with the UMass Jazz Ensemble 1.

Yes, trombonist, composer, and producer Delfeayo Marsalis is from the famous New Orleans family of jazz virtuosos. He worked with Berkshires Jazz and UMass jazz ensemble director Jeff Holmes to select the tunes for this performance.

The UMass Jazz ensemble is actually the opening act for Marsalis. They’ll play a set of their own material and one set backing Marsalis.

Delfeayo Marsalis has toured internationally with jazz legends such as Ray Charles, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones, and Slide Hampton, as well as leading his own groups.

Under Jeff Holmes’ direction, the UMass Jazz ensemble is known as one of the top big bands in New England.

Tickets here.