EAST LANSING, MI (April 11, 2014) — On Monday, April 7, MSU Federal Credit Union hosted its third Blue Mondays concert, featuring world-renowned drummer, Jeff Hamilton. Attendees spent the evening enjoying the musical styling of Hamilton in addition to performances by professors and assistant professors within MSU’s Jazz Studies Program. Hamilton is known for his co-leadership of Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and his work with artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, the Count Basie Orchestra, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Barbra Streisand, George Shearing, and many others.
The Blue Mondays series is part of the MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence Endowment, which invests in the community by bringing world-renowned jazz artists to Michigan to provide exciting musical and cultural experiences.
This partnership also serves as a means to support and enrich local music education programs. During his residency, Hamilton will teach MSU jazz students, present master classes, and perform for the public. Additionally, he will work with local high school and middle school jazz students across Michigan, focusing especially on diverse communities, and inspire these students to pursue their goals and grow as musicians.
“The Blue Mondays concert series provides a unique way for MSUFCU to foster the growth of arts and culture within our community,” said Patrick McPharlin, MSUFCU’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Not only does it allow our members to experience the fine arts, but through the MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence Endowment, it also gives young musicians and local youth the chance to learn about music and the encouragement to pursue their dreams.”
Hamilton will also be performing on April 12, 2014, at 8:00 p.m. for the Jazz Spectacular Wrap-Up Concert at the MSU Auditorium. The concert is open to the public, and tickets may be purchased at www.music.msu.edu.
MSU Federal Credit Union, the world’s largest university-based credit union, offers a full range of personal- and business-related financial services to Michigan State University and Oakland University faculty, staff, students, alumni association members, and their families worldwide in addition to a variety of select employee groups. Founded in 1937 by a few MSU professors and employees, MSUFCU now has thirteen branches, over 183,000 members, more than $2.6 billion in assets, and over 600 employees.