Nick Sanders Trio brings fresh, inventive jazz to the Quick Center | Press Releases

Two shows of original material, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in Wien Experimental Theatre on Friday, November 7, 2014

The inventive, up-and-coming jazz pianist and composer Nick Sanders brings his fresh, original sounds to the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, leading the Nick Sanders Trio in shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2014 . The performance is part of "Concerts Inside the Box," a new Quick Center series of intimate concerts taking place in the Wien Experimental Theatre. Corporate sponsor for this event is Sheaffer. Media sponsor is WPKN (89.5) FM. Tickets are $30; Fairfield University students: $5.

Nick Sanders's rich and soulful music has been shaped by the masters he has studied and embraced in his young playing career. The pianist is the product of a musically and culturally rich childhood in New Orleans. Son of a Cuban mother and a drummer father, Sanders studied classical piano at the famed New Orleans Center for Creative Arts before moving to the jazz program after encouragement from pianist Danilo Perez. In 2005, Sanders appeared at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and began performing regularly at local jazz clubs. That same year, he experienced personal tragedy as he witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Katrina firsthand and the unrelated passing of his mother soon after. Though thoroughly shaken, his dedication, hard work and talent earned Sanders a full scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music. In 2012, he finished his master of music degree there after studying with the college's exceptional staff including Perez, Jason Moran, John McNeil, Ran Blake, Cecil McBee and his now mentor, jazz pianist Fred Hersch. The New York Times describes Sanders as a pianist "with a precise touch and a wealth of information at his command."

The Nick Sanders Trio consists of Henry Fraser on bass and Connor Baker on drums. The group first met at the New England Conservatory of Music and has been playing together for almost four years. While Sanders writes the melodic and harmonic material, Fraser and Baker are equally a part of creating the distinct overall rhythmic feel of the music. Their debut recording, "Nameless Neighbors," for Sunnyside Records, was produced by Fred Hersch, with the much-anticipated follow-up CD on Sunnyside due in early 2015. In May, the Nick Sanders Trio performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, marking a return for the pianist to this prestigious music festival.

Tickets are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com .

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.quickcenter.com .