The award-winning Blair Big Band, directed by Ryan Middagh, will present a special concert event on Friday, February 23, entitled Solidarity: An Evening of Creative Collaborations. The performance will feature Blair School of Music students, faculty, and alumni performers in an expansive genre-defying program.
Embracing the Vanderbilt ethos of creative teamwork and the essential communal nature of jazz, the ambitious event will include star-studded performers from across Blair’s areas of study, including cellist Felix Wang, vocalist Tyler Nelson, tubist Bethany Wiese, drummer Marc Widenhofer, vocalist Vineecia Buchanan, bassist Rob Linton, trombonist Nick Laufer, along with student ensembles the Vanderbilt Percussion Group and members of the Blair Horn Studio. Appearing as a special guest will be Vanderbilt alumnus and trombonist Roy Agee (BMus’95), whose extensive credits include performing as a member of Prince’s touring band.
Contributing to the program will be Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, who will read a poem, accompanied by the Big Band.
This is a free event with tickets required for admission. Doors to Ingram Hall will open 30 minutes prior to show start. Late seating will be at artist discretion.
Venue: Ingram Hall, Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music
Address: 2400 Blakemore Ave., Nashville, TN 37212
Parking: Free parking is available at the Vanderbilt West Parking Garage on Childrens Way, directly across from Blair School of Music. Due to construction on 25th Ave. South, enter the West Garage on 24th Ave. South.
About the Blair Big Band:
Composed entirely of undergraduate musicians, and with a style and swagger all its town, Vanderbilt University's Blair Big Band has become one of the premiere collegiate jazz ensembles in the country. With a diverse repertoire that includes classic big band standards, modern jazz compositions, and original works by its member, the group's powerful and dynamic sound continues to generate critical acclaim and industry accolades.
The Big Band has flourished under the direction of Ryan Middagh, Director of Jazz Studies at the Blair School. Middagh is an innovative educator, composer, arranger, saxophonist, band leader, and clinician, who has traveled the globe sharing his unique blend of talents and musical influences with audiences and music students. His leadership has helped to foster a culture of excellence and musical innovation within the band, inspiring its members to push the boundaries of jazz and explore new creative directions.
Awards & Accolades
2023 Jack Rudin Jazz Championship, New York
- Top Four Ensemble Finalists
- Outstanding Trombone Section
- Outstanding Trumpet Section
12 x DownBeat Student Music Awards Winners
- Includes 7 ensemble / group honors and 5 individual awards
U.S. State Department Tours
- 2019 Tour of Colombia: Medellin and Bucaramanga
- 2026 Tour of Colombia: Medillin, Manizales, and Pereira
Invited Appearances
Jazz Education Network Conference
- 2023 - Vanderbilt Latin Jazz, Orlando, Florida
- 2022 - Blair Big Band, Dallas, Texas
- 2017 – Blair Big Band, Louisville, Kentucky