DETROIT, MI - The Winard Harper Sextet, along with Joshua Nelson, vocals are performing in support of Wayne State University's Jazz students on Friday, September 5, 2003 at 7 p.m. at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Michigan. Admission to the concert is $50 and all proceeds will benefit the Mel Wanzo Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Jazz Studies Program at Wayne State University. Tickets may be purchased by calling (313) 567-8367.

In March 2003 Carolyn and Mel Wanzo generously created the Mel Wanzo Endowed Scholarship Fund in support of the WSU Department of Music's Jazz Studies Program. The Fund will provide scholarship opportunities for jazz students, assisting the awarded student with tuition, books and other educational expenses. "The Department of Music offers our sincere congratulations and appreciation to Mel and Carolyn for their marvelous support of the Jazz Studies Program at Wayne State," states Professor Dennis J. Tini, Chair. "Mel's service as a mentor and leader in the WSU big band has been invaluable. Mel's tremendous contribution through the Mel Wanzo Endowed Jazz Trombone Scholarship will help aspiring jazz musicians for generations to come." Mr. and Mrs. Wanzo, passionate about the success of Wayne State's Jazz Program, are producing the September 5th Benefit Concert along with the support of generous jazz patrons throughout the Detroit Community.

Mel Wanzo frequently performs with Wayne State's premier big band and also serves as a mentor to the Department of Music's jazz students. Mel's performing career has included recording and touring with jazz legends Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughn. He also served as lead trombonist for the world famous Count Basie Orchestra from 1969-96. Mel currently performs with Johnny Trudell's big band, as well as with other big bands in the Detroit-area.

Wayne State University Department of Music is celebrating 85 years of artistic and academic excellence. The Department's faculty includes renowned jazz artists, composers, scholars, educators and members of the internationally acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra. WSU alumni have gone on to careers in distinguished orchestras, ensembles and as soloists and music educators the world over. For more information on the Department of Music, call 313.577.1795 or visit the WSU Department of Music on the web.