Five acts lined up for upcoming Jazz at The Duck sessions

Jazz at The Duck, the free Thursday evening jazz concerts at the Inn at DePauw's Fluttering Duck, has five acts lined up for April and May.

The weekly concerts take place from 8:30-10:30 p.m. at The Duck.

Convergence performs at a recent Crown Street Music Festival with Harry Maginity on bass and Craig Watson doing vocals.

April 9 -- Convergence

Convergence brings it all together -- bop, ballads, blues and bossa. The group performs as a quartet with saxophone lead. A straight-up jazz aggregation popular with festival-goers and wine tasters, Convergence presents a broad range of music in their sets.

Based in central Indiana, the group has played Indianapolis' finer hotels, steakhouses and jazz clubs. From standard tunes to charts that swing, Convergence returns to The Duck this Thursday evening at a performance that begins at 8:30 p.m.

The group features Richard Torres, acclaimed tenor saxophonist formerly of the Stan Kenton band.

Other musicians familiar to Greencastle jazz audiences include Craig Watson (trumpet, guitar and vocals), John Whittemore (piano), Ray Cumberland (drums and vocals) and Harry Maginity (bass).

Vocalist Sue Maginity is expected to add several jazz standards to the evening's offerings.

April 16 -- DePauw University Jazz Combos

Two groups will bring a pair of varied sets to The Duck on April 16.

These musicians have put together some outstanding renditions of music by Chick Corea and Return To Forever, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, Snarky Puppy, Christopher McBride, GiGi Grice, Freddie Hubbard and Sonny Stitt.

April 23 -- Randy Salman

Randy Salman brings his soulful tenor sound to The Duck in a classic organ trio setting. Standards, blues and ballads will comprise an evening of warm tones and tasteful melodies. Accompaning Salman will be Kevin Johnson on drums and Steve Snyder on Hammond organ.

April 30 -- The Hauskatz

This week theregular rhythm section at the Jam Session returns on a feature night. The Haukatz play jazz, rock, blues and more -- classics and standards with a twist and a wink.

The group features Carol Hamm on vocals, Bill Hamm on bass, Steve Michael on guitars, Veronica Pejril on keyboards and Rick Provine on drums.

Michael says the band does not make a lot of appearances, but when it does, there is a sort of kinetic energy.

"We don't play together that often, but when we do, it's a lot of improvisation. And from time to time we throw in something that's recognizable. It's a fun band," the guitarist said.

It should be exciting to hear these musicians on their own turf, playing music of their own conception, and demonstrating another facet of their fine abilities.

May 7 -- The DePauw University Big Band

The big band at the DePauw University School of Music comes to the Duck again.

The show in December was a great time consisting of tight ensemble work (17 members strong) swinging repertoire, exciting dynamics and inspired soloists. This edition of their show will feature new repertoire and some new soloists. It's a tight fit in the small venue -- the perfect way to enjoy big band jazz, up close and live.