Lee University’s Small Jazz Ensemble will present a concert on Tuesday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Squire’s Recital Hall on Lee’s campus.   

The Small Jazz Ensemble is directed by Tom Hurst, instructor in commercial percussion, and Shawn Perkinson, jazz guitar instructor. The program will feature music written by jazz composers such as Pat Metheny, Wes Montgomery, Lenny White, and “Chucho” Valdes.  

“Our repertoire is a bit more eclectic than the average small jazz ensemble,” said Perkinson. “Hurst and I both encourage the students to stretch outside of their comfort zones and explore various musical genres.”  

Hurst is a Nashville-based percussionist, educator, and clinician. He has supported artists of popular music for 25 years, both behind the drum kit and playing ethnic percussion. Hurst has toured or recorded with The Backstreet Boys, Gary Allan, Joe Nichols, Tracy Lawrence, and James Otto.   

Perkinson studied with Mark Boling, Donald Brown, and Jerry Coker while earning his bachelor’s degree in studio music and jazz from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has performed and recorded with many groups and artists over the years, including The Charlie Daniels Band and Widespread Panic.    

This concert is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public.  

For more information, contact the School of Music at (423) 614-8240 or [email protected].