Howard Payne University will host jazz artist Hazel Miller in concert on Thursday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Beadel Dining Area of the Mabee University Center. Also performing will be the HPU Jazz Ensemble and Winds of Triumph as well as HPU’s Heritage Singers who will perform one selection.

The event, titled Java Jazz with Hazel Miller, will be an informal evening of jazz music, coffee and desserts. The concert is free of charge; however, donations will be accepted for the Winds of Triumph trip to perform at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

“It is a great pleasure to present the gracious Hazel Miller and her exceptional voice and musical styling,” said Stephen Goacher, director of the HPU Jazz Ensemble and Winds of Triumph. “The Mabee Center will be transformed into a jazz coffee club atmosphere and the jazz ensemble and Heritage Singers will be there to present her in a ‘big band’ setting. Winds of Triumph, the only university group from the U.S. invited to perform at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, will also perform.”

Called a “force of nature” by the Rocky Mountain News, Miller has been a sought-after performer in Colorado for 27 years. She has performed at a variety of festivals throughout the country including the prestigious Telluride Jazz Festival. She has been a regular performer at the Winter Park Jazz Festival in Winter Park, Colo. for more than 13 years. Her music can be heard on many Colorado stations and nationally on Sirius Radio’s “Real Jazz” station.

Pictured above: Jazz artist Hazel Miller, called a “force of nature,” will perform at HPU.