The Joshua Espinoza Jazz Trio, featuring Jaron Lamar Davis on drums, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, in Corley Auditorium in Webster Hall.

Davis, a former student at Missouri Southern, has performed professionally in Kansas City. He has also spent time serving as the drummer in more than 300 shows with the Showboat Branson Belle cast in Branson.

Dr. Philip Wise, director of jazz at Southern, calls this a homecoming “one of our University’s finest alums.”

In addition to Davis on drums, the trio includes Joshua Espinoza on piano and Mikel Combs on bass. Based in the Washington D.C. area, the trio is currently on a midwest tour.

 “[Davis] is a wonderfully talented musician and I am thrilled he will return with Josh and Mikel to perform for the Joplin community,” Wise said.

The trio will play a blend of jazz and jazz-styled music. Wise said the group has an interesting repertoire.

“They not only perform jazz standards but also pop music from the 60s to present arranged in a jazz styling,” Wise said, adding the group will also perform some of Espinoza’s original compositions.

The event is free and open to the public.

“I invite everyone to come and enjoy this performance,” Wise said. “You may be a jazz aficionado or a jazz novice- it doesn’t make a difference. I know you will enjoy this concert.”         

Before the concert, the trio will conduct a masterclass for Missouri Southern students. Dr. Phillip Wise said student will have the opportunity to hear how each of these musicians approach their art form and the musical concepts they value. Additionally, a few students will have a chance to perform with the trio, allowing them to be critiqued.

Wise said anytime University students can interact with musicians of this caliber, allows for growth as a performer.