Tickets
Season subscription: $150
AKG member season subscription: $130
General admission (single concert): $45
AKG member general admission (single concert): $40
Lipsey Auditorium, Knox Building

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The Art of Jazz series will present an extraordinary occasion as it pays homage to the centennial of the iconic Oscar Peterson on April 13, 2025.

Canadiana Suite, composed in 1963, is Oscar Peterson’s best-known work. Considered a masterpiece, it is a collection of compositions that move its listeners across the Canadian landscape on a conceptual railway journey. The suite artfully captures the vastness and diversity of the Canadian landscape through a thoughtful blending of blues and swing, altering rhythm and mood as the mythical railway travels across Canada.

Leading this monumental tribute is the renowned drummer Jeff Hamilton, whose versatility and originality have solidified his status as one of jazz's foremost talents. With a career that spans decades, Hamilton's dynamic drumming has graced recordings and stages worldwide, including being a member of the legendary Oscar Peterson Trio as well as the acclaimed Ray Brown Trio. Leonard Feather of the Los Angeles Times described Hamilton and his work with Oscar Peterson as “the Los Angeles–based drummer whose intelligent backing and spirited solo work met Peterson’s customarily high standards.” His mastery of the drums brings an unparalleled energy and depth to every performance, captivating audiences with his impeccable timing and spirited solos. In addition to his many recordings with Ray Brown, Hamilton has been on more than 200 recordings with artists such as Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Milt Jackson, Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Streisand, Mel Torme, John Pizzarelli, Benny Carter, Lalo Schifrin, George Shearing, Dr. John, Clark Terry, Gene Harris, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Scott Hamilton, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Keely Smith, Bill Holman, Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Pete Malinverni, and Mark Murphy. Hamilton is a frequent guest of the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany.

Joining Hamilton on stage is the exceptional pianist Tamir Hendelman, celebrated for his imaginative playing and arranging. Notably, Hendelman premiered John Clayton's arrangement of Oscar Peterson's Canadiana Suite with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, showcasing his skillful interpretation and deep reverence for Peterson's timeless compositions. His soulful renditions and sensitive touch evoke the essence of Peterson's music, transporting listeners to another era with each note.

Completing the trio is the versatile bassist Jon Hamar, whose tasteful and unique voice adds a rich sonic tapestry to the ensemble. With a career marked by his disciplined approach and exceptional musicianship, Hamar has shared the stage with jazz luminaries and performed with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, embodying the spirit of the jazz tradition with every performance.

Together, Hamilton, Hendelman, and Hamar promise an unforgettable performance that honors the legacy of Oscar Peterson in the most profound way. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience the magic of the Canadiana Suite, mastered by the Jeff Hamilton Trio, and performed by three extraordinary musicians.

Accessibility

The Stanford and Judith Lipsey Auditorium is located on the second floor of the Knox Building and can be accessed by the elevator across from the Family Room. There is accessible seating along both sides of the Auditorium, as well as in the two back corners. Assistive Listening Devices and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing are available upon request. To schedule an ASL interpreter for an event, please submit a request at least two weeks in advance. The closest restrooms are on the first floor of the Knox Building in the same hallway as the Moog Inc. Visitor Services Desk.

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