Mike Fahn to perform with the HAT Trio

The Western Illinois University (WIU) School of Music, is pleased to welcome musician Mike Fahn to perform with the HAT Trio on Friday, March 1st, as part of the Jazz Series being offered at the Museum.  The doors and bar open at 4:30 pm with two sets of music at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.  To close out the evening, WIU Students will take the stage at 7:30 pm. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door. 

The jazz series, designed by WIU Music Professor Whitney Ashe, brings world-class musicians to connect with WIU music majors as well as perform for the community. The first performance of 2024, brings the accomplished trombonist Mike Fahn to west central Macomb. Mike grew up in Huntington, Long Island, and first started playing drums, emulating his drummer dad.  By the age of five, he picked up the trumpet and by age 13, switched to the baritone horn. 

Benefitting from the outstanding school music programs in his hometown, Mike learned to improvise on the deep well of jazz standards. When he was 16 years old, his family moved to Los Angeles and he quickly became known as a natural jazz improviser on valve and slide trombones. He went on to play with Bob Cooper, Pete Christlieb, Maynard Ferguson, Conte Condoli, Peter Erskine, John Patitucci, Tom Kubis, Dick Berk, Andy Simpkins, Bob Cooper, Frank Strazzeri, the Kim Richmond Big Band (Japan tour) and Frank Gambale.

While living in Los Angeles, Mike released his first CD as a leader entitled “Stepping Out,” which features John Patitucci on bass. Since moving back to New York, Mike has performed and/or recorded with Michael Brecker, and several Big Bands, including Toshiko Akiyoshi, Andrew Hill, Tom Harrell, and Kenny Wheeler. Mike has toured with Jerry Lewis, Leslie Uggams, Ben Vereen, and Deodato. Broadway shows include: The Color Purple, Hairspray, Annie, and A Funny Thing Happened On The Way Forum at the Williamstown Theater Festival. He has worked at 54 Below in New York City with Broadway artists Telly Leong, Jesse Vargas, and Seth Sikes.

Mike has three CDs under his name including his latest, East and West Coast Quintets, which brings together and pays tribute to the many friends he has worked with on both coasts. His current project is a tribute to Bob Brookmeyer.

Mike will perform with the HAT Trio, a group made up of WIU jazz faculty members Matt Hughes on bass, George Turner on guitar, and Whitney Ashe on piano. This year, the series will include an after-party hosted by WIU students who will take the lead and provide live music. Check social media @WIMuseum and @WIU School of Music for more details about the pop-up after-party.

The Jazz series will continue on April 5th with saxophonist Dr. Damani Philips. 

This program is funded in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and the Illinois Humanities, with local funding from the Performing Arts Society.

The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit organization community hub celebrating and nurturing the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County, that features exhibits, an open collection, lectures, music, and other programs in a historic building. The Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square. A full schedule of events can be found at wimuseum.org or follow on social media @wimuseum. For further information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.

About the HAT Trio

The HAT Trio takes a fresh look at the classic piano, guitar, and bass configuration, drawing on influences from the jazz and classical worlds to explore some of music’s unmarked pathways. Guitarist Dr. George Turner has performed and recorded music, ranging from traditional jazz with some of Illinois’ most established players, contemporary jazz with the Bloomington-based Kevin Hart and the Vibe Tribe, to Brazilian music with the Champaign-based Samba Soul, to the poly-stylistic approach of the Champaign-based Almost “A” Quintet. Bassist Matt Hughes, a veteran of jazz legend Betty Carter’s working band, has performed with Elvin Jones, Jack DeJohnette, Jimmy Heath, Max Weinberg, and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The group’s pianist Whitney Ashe has performed with jazz luminaries Vincent Herring, Eric Alexander, and Tommy Igoe. He has composed for The Capitol Saxophone Quartet, Christopher Creviston, and The Rivertown Duo. The trio began performing together in Macomb, Illinois, while teaching at Western Illinois University.