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NEMCC Jazz Band to host Grammy Award-winning Saxophonist Jeff Coffin

Coffin's Appearance Comes Just Days After Being Inducted Into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame as Dave Matthews Band Member

by Michael H. Miller

BOONEVILLE, Miss. -- (10/21/2024) — Northeast Mississippi Community College's (NEMCC) Jazz Band has announced a special guest performance by Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Jeff Coffin of the Dave Matthews Band on Wednesday, October 23, at Hines Hall Auditorium.

Coffin, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Dave Matthews Band on October 19, will conduct a masterclass for local musicians and students in the afternoon, followed by an evening concert with the Jazz Band.

In addition to Coffin's attendance, the Grammy Award-winning saxophonist will be joined by drummer, percussionist, producer and educator Jordan Perlson, acoustic and electric bass musician Viktor Krauss, who is the brother of Alison Krauss and has played with Lyle Lovett and Dolly Parton and a guest appearance by Snarky Puppy guitarist Bob Lanzetti.

Northeast's show with the jazz band will kick off a busy long weekend for the crew as Coffin, Perlson and Krauss will depart the City of Hospitality and head to Saxquest in St. Louis the next night and will trek to Indianapolis for a show in the Jazz Kitchen on Saturday, October 25.

After a day of rest, the group will set up shop at Nelson's Drum Shop in Nashville on Monday, October 27.

Coffin's visit marks his eighth appearance at Northeast, with his last trip to the "City of Hospitality" in 2017 when he and Rashawn Ross, another Dave Matthews Band member, led a masterclass and concert.

Coffin's anticipated return will be one of the first out-of-area guest artist collaborations for the Northeast Jazz Band since the COVID-19 pandemic, which had led the band to rely on local talent and alumni for performances.

"Jeff is a world-class musician who brings a wealth of experience to share with our students," said Dr. Jason Beghtol, Northeast Jazz Band director and assistant director of bands at NEMCC. "His masterclasses are exceptional, offering musicians at all levels an opportunity to grow, and his rapport with students is fantastic."

Masterclass and Concert Details:

Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Masterclass: 4:00 p.m. (Open to local musicians and students)

Concert: 7:00 p.m. at Hines Hall Auditorium

Location: Hines Hall Auditorium, Northeast Mississippi Community College, Booneville, Miss.

As a three-time Grammy Award winner and longtime member of the Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Coffin has a storied career in jazz and rock. He joined the Dave Matthews Band in 2008 and became a full-time member in 2009.

Coffin's contributions extend beyond performance, as he has given over 300 music clinics at schools worldwide, including those at the University of North Texas, the University of Miami, and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

"The reason I continue to ask Jeff to return to Northeast is that he is a dedicated educator," Beghtol said. "He places his primary focus on student development and musical growth, and the students in our region truly benefit from his expertise."

Throughout his career, Coffin has maintained a passion for the arts, blending music with his love of photography. His photographic work has been exhibited at Northeast's Anderson Hall

Northeast Jazz Band's guest artist series is part of a long tradition of outstanding performances at Northeast, with Coffin having previously collaborated with notable artists such as Felix Pastorius, Bill "The Spaceman" Fanning, and Roy "Futureman" Wooten.

Performance History with Jeff Coffin at Northeast Mississippi Community College:

October 27, 2011: Felix Pastorius, Bill "The Spaceman" Fanning, Chris Walters - Mu'Tet

2012 & 2013: Roy "Futureman" Wooten, Chris Walters

October 19, 2013: Felix Pastorius, Bill "The Spaceman" Fanning, Chris Walters, Roy "Futureman" Wooten - Mu'Tet

September 23, 2014: Roy "Futureman" Wooten

January 20, 2016: Rashawn Ross (DMB)

March 27, 2017: Rashawn Ross (DMB)

--NEMCC--

Information about Northeast Mississippi Community College

Northeast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.

For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

Media Attachments

Jeff Coffin, a member of the Dave Matthews Band and inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, conducts a MasterClass at Northeast Mississippi Community College in 2017. After a seven-year hiatus, Coffin will return to the City of Hospitality on Wednesday, October 23 for a MasterClass at 4 p.m. and then join the Northeast Jazz Band in concert at 7 p.m.

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