DETROIT, MI (October 29, 2003) - Critically acclaimed trumpet artist Derrick Gardner will be performing with Wayne State's Big Band, under the direction of Christopher Collins, on Tuesday, November 4, 2003 at 7 p.m. The concert is being held in the Schaver Music Recital Hall, 480 W. Hancock in Detroit. Tickets are $5 for students/seniors and $8 for adults. For more information call (313) 577-1795.

Students of the Wayne State Big Band will have an opportunity to back one of today's finest trumpet artists. Derrick Gardner has been touring with the Harry Connick, Jr. Big Band for the past three years. He was also the featured trumpet soloist in the Broadway musical "Thou Shalt Not". Gardner has recently been heard at the world famous Apollo Theater and in the new musical review "Harlem Song".

Derrick leads The Jazz Prophets, his own acclaimed sextet. He has also written for the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. The Jazz Prophets have performed around the country, including New York City and Indianapolis, as well as internationally in La Teste, France at the La Teste de Buch Jazz Festival and in Paris, France at the Sunset Jazz Club. The group's debut recording, "Slim Goodie", was released in August 2003 on the Impact Music label.

Gardner has also performed with the Count Basie Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Frank Foster, Jon Faddis, Nancy Wilson, Tony Bennett, James Moody, to name just a few. He has recently joined the jazz faculty at Michigan State University as an Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet.

More information on the Wayne State University Department of Music's concerts/events, degree offerings, and distinguished faculty can be obtained by visiting WSU Department of Music Website or by calling (313) 577-1795. The Department is currently celebrating 85 years of artistic and academic excellence.