Christos Rafalides, an internationally recognized jazz vibraphonist, will visit the School of Music on Wednesday, April 4, to participate in an afternoon rehearsal of the Fredonia Student Association Percussion Guild, from 3 to 5 p.m., in Mason Hall Room 1080, and perform in concert with the same ensemble at 8 p.m. at Rosch Recital Hall.
Both events are free and open to the public.
After earning a B.A. from Berklee College of Music, Mr. Rafalides, who was born in Greece, relocated to New York City to study with acclaimed jazz vibraphonist Joe Locke at the Manhattan School of Music and immersed himself in the city’s vibrant jazz scene. He went on to establish Manhattan Vibes, which reveals his strong affinity for Latin and other world music.
Rafalides’ latest project, Point Two, with bassist Petros Klampanis, is a unique blend of Middle Eastern, Greek and Latin elements that include original compositions, standards and folk songs.
Accompanied by the Percussion Guild, Rafalides will perform duo works with graduate student Frank Valente and percussion/jazz faculty member Alec Dube.
Rafalides’ visit to the School of Music, which offers a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Music degree with a track in Jazz, highlights efforts to attract students and community members to this unique American music, said SUNY Distinguished Professor Kay Stonefelt, chair of the Percussion Area and Percussion Guild advisor. His performance is sponsored by the Fredonia Student Association Percussion Guild, Ludwig-Musser Percussion and Mike Balter Mallets.
