When internationally acclaimed pop vocalist Josh Groban takes to the stage in three Central Florida performances, he will be joined by Alex Lewis, a senior UCF jazz studies trumpet major.
When UCF music professor Kelly Miller was alerted that Groban’s management was seeking a talented Central Florida music student who was also a skilled jazz player, she immediately recommended Lewis. He was subsequently engaged to perform three dates with Groban. The performances are Feb. 28 in Sarasota at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, March 1 in Clearwater at the Ruth Eckerd Hall, and March 2 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando.
Lewis says he is both excited and prepared for the performance.
“I think my preparation comes from a combination of intensive training on the instrument through lessons, my knowledge gained about improvisation and musical performance from my degree track, and my experience from multiple performances at UCF.”
UCF audiences may recognize Lewis from his participation in the Flying Horse Big Band. He was accepted into the premier student jazz ensemble his freshman year and is now the longest standing member of the ensemble. He studies with UCF music professor John Almeida.
Lewis will take the stage to join Groban as he sings “Old Devil Moon” from his latest CD “Stages.” Lewis will be following in the footsteps of great jazz trumpet players Arturo Sandoval and Chris Botti, who have both recorded with Groban.
“I am looking forward to getting to network and work with more professional musicians, and having the opportunity to share my sound with such a large amount of people,” said Lewis.
For more information about the UCF School of Performing Arts, visit https://performingarts.cah.ucf.edu