If ever an artist could be called an "octopus," it's Luis Bonilla. The California-raised, Costa Rican trombonist, composer and arranger has sought out, taken in and mastered an incredible array of musical styles. His success as a sideman with such greats as McCoy Tyner, Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Bowie, Tom Harrell, Freddie Hubbard, Astrud Gilberto, Willie Colon and Toshiko Akiyoshi attests not only to the skill and variety of Bonilla's talent, but also to a mind restlessly committed to exploring some of the most complex and demanding music of our time.

"Luis is an incredible musician and an outstanding human being," said Dr. Anthony Williams, who is directing his second University of Mary Jazz Festival. "He is one of my mentors and has had an amazing influence on my life and growth as a musician and educator. I am excited that the people of North Dakota and its surrounding areas, especially the music students and educators that attend the festival get to experience his magic."

Williams actually recorded with Bonilla along with Amy Rempel and Jeremy Allen (this year's guest pianist and bassist), on University of Mary Alumnus, Dave Lisik's Big Band Album, "Coming Through Slaughter" in 2009, and will appear on Bonilla's next release, "Origin of Species."

Joining Bonilla, Rempel, and Allen at the region's premier jazz festival concert will be vocalists Stephen Futrell and Kirby Shaw; drummer Mike Waldrop; and saxophonist Chris Merz; the award-wining U-Mary Jazz Ensemble; and the U-Mary Vocal Jazz group.

"We in the U-Mary Music Department are all anticipating the festival concert," added Williams. "Our students are pumped to collaborate with the amazing guest artists. "his is a rare opportunity to hear some of the best jazz musicians in the world perform in concert with our university students."

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the University of Mary Music Department
(701) 355-8301), at Eckroth Music and Lee's Hallmark at Kirkwood Mall.

The U-Mary Jazz Festival runs from Friday, Jan. 27, through Saturday, Jan. 28. In addition to the concert, it includes two days of instrumental and vocal clinics from the guest artists and the
U-Mary music faculty. Taking part in the sessions are students from over 50 bands, representing more than 30 high schools in the three-state region and Canada.

For more concert and festival information, contact Kyia Zubke at (701) 355-8301 or Dr. Anthony Williams at (701) 355- 8315.

Student Musicians
Taylor Abler, Mayville, ND

Erica Belverstone, Bismarck, ND

Daniel Bickler, Williston, ND

Jordan Boehm, Mandan, ND

Ryan Capouch, Portland, ND

Sky Froelich, Mandan, ND

Craig Goettle, Donnybrook, ND

Lee Greuel, Minot, ND

Kyle Hasse, Roseville, MN

Jeremy Hudson, Great Falls, MT

Taylor Keller, Williston, ND

Michelle Kramer, Fargo, ND

Theresa Mack, Rugby, ND

Steve Michlitsch, Bismarck, ND

Joy Nagel, Bismarck, ND

Bailey Newland, Harlowton, MT

Caitlin Nicks, Williston, ND

Jacob Perry, Mandan, ND

Sarah Porter, Bismarck, ND

Grant Risk, Bismarck, ND

Pat Sagsveen, Bismarck, ND

Jake Schwaller, East Helena, MT

Lydia Solberg, Williston, ND

David Starks, Ryder, ND

Nikkita Starr, Beulah, ND

Tyler Zimmermann, Bismarck, ND

Leven Zuelke, Miles City, MT

Media interested in interviews should contact Tom Ackerman at (701) 355-8002.