CES at FSU Hosts the Brubeck Brothers Quartet in a Celebration of Dave Brubeck’s Centennial

The Cultural Events Series at Frostburg State University will present the Brubeck Brothers Quartet as they celebrate the music of American jazz icon Dave Brubeck on Friday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Alice R. Manicur Assembly Hall of FSU’s Lane University Center. The club-style event will feature intimate table seating, a selection of snacks and a cash bar.

The year 2020 marked the centennial of the birth of jazz legend Dave Brubeck. With stories told by his sons Chris and Dan, and music performed by the quartet, the heartfelt, multimedia show invites the audience to travel along the timeline of Brubeck’s extraordinary life and career. This event features not only a return appearance from the quartet, but of the music of Brubeck, who himself appeared as part of CES in 1978.

Although the quartet’s style is rooted in “straight-ahead” jazz, their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore odd time signatures while integrating influences of funk, blues and world music. The group’s creativity, technique and improvisation can be heard in their uncompromising music, which reflects a dedication to melody, rhythm and the spontaneous spirit of jazz. All About Jazz declared, “the BBQ attains that rare field level where music is both relaxed and expressive, and their joy in its creation is contagious.”

Immediately following the performance, as part of the Offstage Series With WFWM, WFWM’s station director, Chuck Dicken, will join the artists for a conversation with the audience. Discuss the musical legacy Brubeck passed along to his sons and how the quartet integrates his style with their music.

Tickets are $20 for adults; $18 for FSU faculty/staff, military and youth under 18; and free for FSU students.

For more information, visit the CES website at ces.frostburg.edu or contact the University box office at 1-866-849-9237 or 301-687-3137. The box office, located in the Lane University Center, is open Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This engagement of the Brubeck Brothers Quartet is made possible through the Jazz Touring Network program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. CES is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org), the Allegany Arts Council and the City of Frostburg.

FSU is following CDC guidance based on current area conditions. For current health and safety guidelines, visit www.frostburg.edu/COVID19.