On February 21st, 22nd and 23rd we had the fantastic opportunity to bring NY trombonist, composer and all-around entrepreneur Michael Davis to the Twin Cities to visit some colleges, play a few concerts and dispense his wide-ranging wisdom. We had a blast getting to spend some time with him and every time he played it was a treat! A big thanks to S.E. Shires for helping to sponsor his trip, to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, University of Minnesota and St. Olaf College for hosting him on their campuses, Crooner’s Lounge for hosting his Tuesday night performance, David Mitchell and the MYJB organization for participating in Michael’s Tuesday night performance, and to everyone who came out to Michael’s shows!
Tuesday, Feb. 21st
Michael and the Shires team travelled to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to rehearse with Professor Robert Baca and the UWEC Jazz Ensemble 1 in preparation for their evening concert.
Michael and the Shires team travelled to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to rehearse with Professor Robert Baca and the UWEC Jazz Ensemble 1 in preparation for their evening concert.
Michael rehearsing with Dr Phil Ostrander and the UWEC Trombone Choir.
Michael’s evening performance at Crooners’ Lounge in Shoreview, MN with the UWEC Jazz Ensemble 1 and Minnesota Youth Jazz Band 1.
Wednesday, Feb. 22nd
After a late night of playing Michael, the Eastman/S.E. Shires team and the Trombone Shop were up early at the University of Minnesota with Professor Tom Ashworth and his students.
Michael Davis, Professor Tom Ashworth and Trombone Shop manager Keith Hilson
We then traveled down to Northfield, MN to St. Olaf College to do a clinic with Professor David Hagedorn and St. Olaf’s three jazz ensembles.
Thursday, Feb. 23rd
The day started with a visit to Minneapolis breakfast destination Al’s Breakfast with Tom Ashworth, Michael, Dean Sorenson (Professor of Jazz Studies, U of M), Shane Deuel (Eastman Winds) Keith Hilson, Ben Griffin (S.E. Shires) and Matt Reynolds (Eastman Winds).
The evening featured a performance from Michael in our new performance space, joined by a number of the first-call trombonists in the Twin Cities!
Left to right: Mac Santiago, Dave Graf, Scott Agster, Michael Davis, Dean Sorenson, Tom Ashworth, Ben Busse.
The evening culminated in a performance of “76 Trombones” by the 76 Trombone Ensemble, conducted by Michael himself!
