All concerts will be at the School of Music, Margaret Comstock Concert Hall.
The Latin Grammy Award winner Gomez has been on the cutting edge of music for more than four decades. Born in Puerto Rico, Gomez’s early talent with the double bass led to studies at The Juilliard School of Music followed by performances with the Bill Evan’s Trio and the likes of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie and Chick Corea.
Now performing with his own group, Gomez is artistic director at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and a sought-after educator. Gomez will perform with his trio and UofL’s Jazz Ensemble I, 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24.
Acclaimed by critics as the “greatest alto saxophonist in the world,” Donaldson earned the nickname “Sweet Papa Lou” as a bandleader with Blue Note Records in the 1950s. Now the label’s oldest musician from that notable era of jazz and 85 years old, he is a member of the International Jazz Hall of Fame and still entertains audiences worldwide with his signature tunes and classic hits. His quartet will perform with UofL’s Jazz Ensemble I, 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25.
Other performers include Fabio Calazans Sextet and the University Brazilian Ensemble, 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23.
Tickets vary from $5 to $7 for students and $7 to $17 for all others depending on the night of performance.
Jazz Fest is hosted by the UofL School of Music and the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Studies Program. Other sponsors include Visiting Jazz Artist Endowed Chair; Jamey Aebersold Jazz; Kenneth Beilman; BankingQuestions.com; Friends of the School of Music; Louisville Jazz Society; and WFPK.