Sunny Wilkinson

IWU News Advisory

Event: University Chapel Hour and Special Events: presents Celebrating with Jazz: Sunny Wilkinson, vocalist and visiting instructor of jazz voice, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.; and Ron Newman, professor of music and jazz studies, Michigan State University

Date: Oct. 23, 2002 (Wednesday)

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Evelyn Chapel, Illinois Wesleyan University, 1301 N. Park St., Bloomington

Admission: Free and open to the public

Background: Ronald Newman is professor of music and jazz studies at Michigan State University. Active in both jazz and classical fields as a performer and composer, Newman has received composition commissions from a variety of sources, including the National Endowment for the Humanities and The New York Concert Artist’s Guild. Newman is currently writing a book on programmed jazz theory.

Sunny Wilkinson, who teaches jazz voice at Western Michigan University and Michigan State University, is said to be one of the most inventive and flexible singers of her generation. Her CD’s include Sunny Wilkinson "High Wire," released in 1999 on Chartmaker Records; Sunny Wilkinson, released in 1993 on Positive Music Records; and Algeria, released in 1990 on Hibrite records of Japan. Her single "Where Have the Actors Gone" appears in the Lauridson: Northwest Journey CD, released in 2000 on RCM. Wilkinson currently runs clinics and performs at university and school jazz festivals as well as jazz clubs across the country.

Contact: For additional information, contact the Illinois Wesleyan Chaplain’s office at 309/556-3005.