1923 marked the birth of several jazz luminaries, as well as the beginning of Louis Armstrong’s long and storied recording career. UNCG’s Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program celebrates this watershed year with saxophonist Rahsaan Barber joining Jazz Ensemble II for a diverse program of music by Thad Jones, Dexter Gordon, Wes Montgomery, Tito Puente, Milt Jackson, Sam Rivers, and many more.

Musician, Composer, Bandleader, Educator and Activist Roxy Coss has become one of the most unique and innovative saxophonists on the scene. Winner of a 2016 ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award, the Downbeat Critics’ Poll listed her as a “Rising Star” on soprano saxophone the past five years in a row, and a Downbeat Magazine review called her “an exceptional young talent.” Originally from Seattle, Roxy has been a fixture on the New York scene for over ten years. She has headlined extensively around the world, including major festivals and venues like the Newport Jazz Festival, Melbourne Big Band Festival, San Jose Jazz Summerfest, Ballard Jazz Festival, The Jazz Standard, and Jazz Showcase, among others.