Toomey Quartet Concert Tonight to Benefit Public Radio Jazz Programs

The John Toomey Quartet will perform a benefit jazz concert Friday, Jan. 16, on the Old Dominion University campus. Scheduled for 8 p.m. in Chandler Recital Hall of the Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center, the concert will benefit the local WHRO/WHRV public radio station in support of its jazz programs. Admission is $15 and reservations are required.

"The quality and variety of music presented on public radio is essential to servicing the arts in the area," said Toomey, chair of ODU's music department and director of the jazz studies program. "Jae Sinnette's show, for example, is the only steady jazz show available in the Hampton Roads area."

The university is donating use of the hall, providing a sound engineer and offering parking in the circle lot by the Diehn Center for the event.

The John Toomey Quartet has performed locally since 1990 with a revolving set of musicians. This performance, featuring Eddie Williams on saxophone, Jimmy Masters on bass, Corey Fonville on drums and Toomey on piano, will include several original compositions from Toomey's "Refraction CD," Williams' "Hang Time" CD and "Special Ones," a CD recorded at Chandler Recital Hall in the 1990s and produced by the university.

To reserve a ticket, call 889-9301 with name, phone number and quantity of tickets requested. The $15 admission fee may be paid, by cash or check only, at the door.