Stefon Harris continues the stellar lineage of jazz vibraphonists that includes Milt Jackson, Gary Burton, Lionel Hampton and Roy Ayers. But the young lion from New York takes the mellow instrument to musical realms beyond the reach of his predecessors. As part of the quintet
Blackout, Harris creates an intoxicating mix of straight-ahead jazz, funk, rock and a little hip-hop, without ever straying from the groove. The results are both elegant and progressive. Stefon Harris and Blackout perform in White Recital Hall (4949 Cherry) at 7:30 tonight as part of the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance Signature Series. Call 816-235-6222 or see
umkc.edu/cto for tickets, which run $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $12.50 for students.
Sat., Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m., 2010
