New to St. Edward this year, the St. Edward Music Department is excited to begin the “Visiting Artist Concert Series”.  Mr. Allen, the Director of Music, created this idea and brought it to reality. While completing his undergraduate degree in music performance at Northern Illinois University, Mr. Allen met various guest artists who shared their knowledge about the music industry with him. He wants to share this experience with students, hoping they will benefit from it as he did. He plans to bring in musical guest artists from different types of music styles, such as jazz, classical, and contemporary genres. The first guest artist being featured in the Visiting Art Concert Series is the Elisha Organ Trio. 

Also from the NIU music program, the Elisha Organ Trio consists of Ben Crino on guitar, Sid Smith IV on drums, and Isaiah Jones Jr. on organ. They released their first full-length record in the summer of 2024. With the production help of Bobby Broom, legendary jazz guitarist, this record was meant to “reimagine seven standards from the Jazz repertoire with elements of gospel, groove and hip hop, while still allowing an approach from the Jazz lineage to drive the setting.” This trio has played at a plethora of showings, including Andy’s Jazz Club, The Jazz Showcase, Fitzgeralds, House of Blues, and many more.

The master class will be held during the 8th period band class, and the band students will open up for the group.  This band master class will certainly be a unique experience for all viewers. Mr. Allen demonstrates the gravity of this event when he says, “The special thing about this event, as well as the trio itself, is that each of the members brings a different aspect of what it means to be a creative individual in today’s world. Coming from different familial and cultural backgrounds, their unique perspectives on life and art are what truly defines them as musicians.” These guest artist features will have a beneficial impact on the band students aspiring to further their musical abilities, as well as the viewers who will be moved by the performances. St. Edward is planning to bring in two more guest artists during the spring semester.  

The Elisha Organ Trio will be performing in the Fox Family Performing Arts Center at St. Edward on Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 PM. Admission is free, but make sure to reserve your seats in advance using this link. This is without a doubt a show worth seeing because, as Mr. Allen says, “It’s not every day we get to share the same space with such talented individuals!”