Jazz Encounters features a live performance followed by a jam session with a focus on education, hosted in the WDNA Jazz Gallery, and co-produced with Nicole Yarling and the JECC.

• Masks are optional.
• No ticket refunds.

December’s Jazz Encounter features saxophonist, composer David Fernandez and “Re-Wire.”

David Fernandez began his career as a jazz musician in Miami, Florida. He first studied jazz at Miami Senior High School under the direction of Dr. Brian Leavell. He earned an invitation to New York to perform with the McDonald’s All-American High School Band his senior year. He also won an honorable mention from Downbeat Magazine for best high school performer, and won first place for Best Original Composition.

Praised by the Regions Music as “one of Miami’s most startlingly original voices in jazz. His technical fluency and ease of expression on the saxophone are matched with a supple and gorgeous tone; his solos often develop into pleasing deluges of romanticism, backed up with broad harmonic intelligence and a wealth of ideas.”

Upon graduation, he enrolled at the University of Miami and earned his Bachelor’s Degree. Shortly after, he continued his studies at Florida International University under the direction of Gary Campbell and completed his Master’s Degree.

David began his career touring with latin pop-star Chayanne. Along the way, he has toured with such artists as Jon Secada, Gloria Estefan, Darryl Tookes, and K.C. and the Sunshine Band. He has shared the stage with Joe Henderson, Paquito D’ Rivera, Randy Brecker, Kenny Werner, Gerry Mulligan, Bob Minzer, Arturo Sandoval, WillyChirino, Nestor Torres, Rafael, The O.J.’s, The Funk Brothers, Peabo Bryson, Nate Smith, Ignacio Berroa, Patti Austin, Queen Latifa, The Tramps, and Jim Belushi.

He currently has 7 CD’s released as a leader, “Symmetry” and “TransitionProject”, “David Fernandez*”, “Consortium”, “DTF”, “One Man Banned”, and “Sketches of Pain”.

In addition to performing, David Fernandez was also a Professor of Saxophones at MDC Wolfson and an adjunct professor at MDC-Kendall, MDC West, Barry University, and FIU. He was also Jazz Discipline Coordinator for Young Arts in 2011-2012. He recently finished a two year stint on the musical, On Your Feet, in New York City. He now serves as Academic Coordinator in Support of Student Services at The Wertheim FIU School of Music.

David’s most recent project is “Re-Wire” featuring:

After the concert is an open jam. Bring your instrument!

Students! Be sure to score one of the limited free student tickets.

MEMBER TICKETS

• WDNA members pay a discounted price for tickets and must show a valid WDNA Member Card at the door.
• Basic WDNA Membership is $60 per year. Click here to become a Member.
• Purchase of Member priced tickets without a valid Membership will require you to purchase a $60 basic membership at the door.

STUDENT TICKETS

• There is a limited number of FREE student tickets for the concert.
• If you’re going to jam, LIST YOUR INSTRUMENT in the ticket form.
• Tickets are reserved on a first come, first served basis for students who will attend the concert and participate in the jam session.
• Students must show a valid student ID at the door to claim their FREE student ticket.
• If you’d like to perform in the Jam session and there are no student tickets left, please contact Sarah Cruz: 305.662.8889, x210 or [email protected].

GENERAL ADMISSION

• General Admission tickets are for attendees who are not WDNA members.
• If you’d like to have access to member discounted tickets for the Jazz Encounters Series, sign up to be a member! The cost is just $60 for a yearlong membership.
• Click here for more WDNA membership information.

CONTACT INFO

• 305.662.8889, x210
• [email protected]

Thank you to our Jazz Encounters Sponsors:

Musician’s Discount Center

Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs

Florida Arts & Culture