MIAMI GARDENS, FL. (February 7, 2013) – Florida Memorial University’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts is producing a new Jazz initiative, with two things in mind: great entertainment for the community and exposure for talented musicians.

“BLUE MONDAY” is a jazz night, featuring an 18-piece orchestra and other ensemble combinations including vocal ensembles. The core group will feature professional musicians, but any intermediate and advanced students are welcome.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our students and the community to experience the joy of creating and re-creating, with professionals, big band music,” said Dawn Batson, chair of Visual and Performing Arts at Florida Memorial.

Batson said the orchestra will be used for arrangers/composers to expose their work and hone the skills of aspiring young musicians.

Melton S. Mustafa, associate professor of music and director of Jazz Studies, is an internationally known jazz musician who will be one of the “Blue Monday” principals.  He said: “We are striving for musical excellence. This project forms part of our ongoing efforts to reach that goal. ”

“BLUE MONDAY”

COST: Free and open to the public

WHEN: Monday nights at the Florida Memorial University Band Room

TIME: 7 to 10 p.m.

FACULTY: Melton S. Mustafa, Nicole Yarling, and Melton R. Mustafa

SPECIAL NOTE: Melton Mustafa will also be featured in the upcoming “Florida Memorial Presents Melton Mustafa in Concert, featuring Lion’s Pride and Negroni Trio,” at 7 p.m. Saturday, February 15 at the Lou Rawls Center for the Performing Arts, Florida Memorial University. Information: 305-626-3600. Tickets: $35, general; high-school and middle-school students, $15, with student ID.