By Eugenia Johnson Staff Writer ejohns14@my.westga.edu

The 24th Annual Sunbelt Jazz Festival was held at the University of West Georgia's Townsend Center last Friday, hosted by UWG's Department of Music. About forty people attended the concert featuring talented trumpet player Ken Trimmins and the UWG Jazz Ensemble directed by UWG professor Daniel Bakos.

The program consisted of 12 selections. The first five songs featured the UWG Jazz Ensemble and student vocalist, Nandani Persuad. The last seven songs featured Ken Trimmins along with the jazz ensemble.

In one of the selections, Trimmins played two trumpets simultaneously. This interesting and highly difficult skill got him featured on the " The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." He actually believes he looks a little silly while playing, but he loves the challenge.

"Trimmins is a really awesome and phenomenal soloist," said Joseph Benefield and K.B. Baty.

Trimmins' favorite selection of the night was "Chelsea Bridge. "

"The piece is a very slow ballad and it is the most expressive," said Trimmins.

He found a love of music early on because of his family has a musical background. Music has always been a part of his life.

"I love that music is so expressive," said Trimmins, " Music is an international language. It is the catalyst that binds everyone together."

Trimmins enjoyed practicing and performing with the students.

"This was my first visit to the University of West Georgia and the students are very professional and talented. Performing with them was fun and natural."

The UWG student Jazz Ensemble played an array of instruments including the trombone, sax, trumpet, drums, guitar, and piano.

Bokas said the students prepared for this concert in only six rehearsals.

"The students are great. I do this because of them and for the beauty of music," said Bokas.

"Playing jazz is fun and relaxing. I love the UWG ensemble, I've been playing with them for six years," said saxophonist Emily Cash.

The crowd loved the performance and the selection of songs. "Goody, Goody" and "Uno Mas" were among the favorite of the night.

Trimmins intends to enroll at Florida State University to earn a Doctorate in Music. He is a part of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity focused on the musical advancement and brotherhood between members and the community.

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