Trumpeter Muneer Nasser, the Rhodes Jazz Ensemble, and the Rhodes Faculty Players will perform as part of Rhodes Night at the Overton Park Shell on Thursday, Oct. 23. Free and open to the public, the concert begins at 7 p.m. and celebrates Rhodes College’s 100th year in Memphis.
Established in 1848 in Clarksville, TN, the college moved to its current location in 1925 under the leadership of then president Dr. Charles E. Diehl. This concert will celebrate this milestone by honoring Rhodes alumni who have worked to make Memphis better as well as the lasting partnerships the college has forged with organizations across the city, such as the Overton Park Shell.
Nasser, who also is a composer, jazz historian, and author, will headline the anniversary concert. His music weaves together a rich tapestry of influences, combining historic Memphis blues and New York jazz to create his own brand of distinct jazz. Nasser is the son of the late great jazz musician Jamil Nasser, who hailed from Memphis before moving to New York City.
As part of his visit to Memphis, Nasser will give a public talk on Wednesday, Oct. 22, about the life and influence of his father. The talk will include a discussion of his book, Upright Bass: The Musical Life and Legacy of Jamil Nasser. The talk begins at 6 p.m. in Blount Auditorium on the Rhodes College campus. It is free but attendees are asked to register.
Then on Oct. 23, bring picnic baskets, blankets, and lawn chairs and enjoy Rhodes Night at the Overton Park Shell.
Rhodes Night is sponsored by Truist and is part of the fall lineup for Overton Park Shell’s Orion Financial Free Concert Series.