November 30, 2009

Solo performance focuses on jazz legend

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Come to the Marion Kleinau Theatre at Southern Illinois University Carbondale to get “miles away from ‘the cool.’”

Graduate student Chris McRae presents a solo performance of his “Miles away from ‘The Cool,’” a presentation of the life and music of jazz legend Miles Davis. Aubrey Huber, also a graduate student, directs.

The performance runs Dec. 3-5, with all shows beginning at 8 p.m. in the Kleinau Theatre, located on the second floor of the Communications Building (where McLeod Theatre is also located).

McRae based his text in part on Davis’ autobiography, as well as works about Davis, and, of course, his music. Davis was a native of Illinois, hailing from nearby Alton, on the Mississippi River. McRae taps into musical structure and form, presenting the autobiography, the music and the local significance that, as he notes, is “always miles away from ‘the cool.’”

The audience can expect trumpet music and narrative and special guest performances.

Tickets are $7 for general admission, $5 for students. For advance tickets, call 618/453-5618. Tickets are also available before the performance.