Credit: Courtesy of Tri-C
Jazz drummer Jerome Jennings has deep ties to Northeast Ohio. He participated in Tri-C’s jazz programs from 1999 through 2003 and later graduated from Rutgers University and earned a master’s degree from the Juilliard School, where he now serves as resident director of the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra.

Jennings, who currently leads his own sextet and performs with the Christian McBride Big Band and Christian Sands Trio, will participate in Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland’s Flying Home series and perform at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17, at East Cleveland Public Library.

The Flying Home series features former Tri-C students who’ve become successful jazz musicians.

“We are so proud of Jerome and his achievements,” says Terri Pontremoli, director of JazzFest, in a press release about the performance. “In addition to being an accomplished drummer, he loves teaching — and that’s music to our ears.”

Saxophonist Stacy Dillard, trumpeter Drew Anderson, trombonist Andrae Murchison, bassist Endea Owens and pianist Miki Hayama will perform alongside Jennings.

The concert is free of charge, and doors will open at 3 p.m.

The Flying Home series is part of JazzFest’s 40th anniversary celebration.

This article appears in Feb 6-12, 2019.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.