Diehn Concert Series Brings Jazz Performer to ODU Tonight

Chuck Redd, a seasoned performer on both drums and vibraphone, will join the John Toomey Trio as the guest performer tonight for Old Dominion University's Diehn Concert Series. The program begins at 8 p.m. in Chandler Recital Hall of the Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Redd began performing internationally when he joined the Charlie Byrd Trio in 1980 at the age of 21. That year, he joined the Great Guitars (Barney Kessel, Charlie Byrd and Herb Ellis). He was the 2004-05 artist-in-residence at The Smithsonian Jazz Café in Washington, D.C. To his credit are 12 extensive European tours and five tours of Japan with the Barney Kessel Trio, Ken Peplowski, Terry Gibbs and Conte Candoli.

Redd's career has earned him critical acclaim. He was a featured vibraphonist with the Mel Torme All-Star Jazz Quintet from 1991-96. While Redd toured with Torme, Ira Gitler of Jazz Times said, "Redd's vibes were equally notable for vigor and melodiousness."

He performs on more than 50 recordings including his own Arbors CD, "All This and Heaven Too," featuring Gene Bertoncini and George Mraz; "The Swing Kings," an all-star session featuring Bucky and John Pizzarelli, Ray Kennedy and Ken Peplowski; and "Gypsy Soul," with Frank Vignola and Joe Byrd. Redd can also be heard on the soundtrack to the popular PBS television series, "The Great Chefs," and the NPR broadcast "Jazz Smithsonian."

Tickets for the Diehn Concert performance, $15 for general admission and $10 for ODU students, are available in advance at the Arts and Letters Box Office in the lobby of University Theatre, located on Hampton Boulevard between 46th and 47th streets, or by calling 683-5305. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

The F. Ludwig Diehn Concert Series is supported by a grant from the Diehn Fund of The Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

For more information about the concert, call 683-4061.