Billy Taylor Jazz Residency Artist

Composer and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire (pronounced ah-kin-MOO-sir-ee) cut his jazz teeth playing professionally while still in high school. Inspired by legendary saxophonists Joe Henderson and Steve Coleman, he won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition and released his first album in 2007. Called “a thrilling trumpeter and astute bandleader [with a] unique spark in his playing” (The New Yorker), Akinmusire has moved to the front ranks of progressive jazzmen, leading his quartet and contributing his burnished tone to projects with the OSSO String Quartet and vocalists Becca Stevens and Theo Bleckmann.

$25, $15; Five College, GCC and 17 & under $10 (Tickets by calling 413-545-2511 or 800-999-UMAS, or at fineartscenter.com)