When internationally acclaimed pop vocalist Josh Groban takes to the stage in three Central Florida performances, he will be joined by Alex Lewis, a senior UCF jazz studies trumpet major.<\/p>\n
When UCF music professor Kelly Miller was alerted that Groban\u2019s management was seeking a talented Central Florida music student who was also a skilled jazz player, she immediately recommended Lewis. He was subsequently engaged to perform three dates with Groban. The performances are Feb. 28 in Sarasota at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, March 1 in Clearwater at the Ruth Eckerd Hall, and March 2 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando.<\/p>\n
Lewis says he is both excited and prepared for the performance.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think my preparation comes from a combination of intensive training on the instrument through lessons, my knowledge gained about improvisation and musical performance from my degree track, and my experience from multiple performances at UCF.\u201d<\/p>\n
UCF audiences may recognize Lewis from his participation in the Flying Horse Big Band. He was accepted into the premier student jazz ensemble his freshman year and is now the longest standing member of the ensemble. He studies with UCF music professor John Almeida.<\/p>\n
Lewis will take the stage to join Groban as he sings \u201cOld Devil Moon\u201d from his latest CD \u201cStages.\u201d Lewis will be following in the footsteps of great jazz trumpet players Arturo Sandoval and Chris Botti, who have both recorded with Groban.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am looking forward to getting to network and work with more professional\u00a0musicians, and having the opportunity to share my sound with such\u00a0a large amount of people,\u201d said Lewis.<\/p>\n