BEAUMONT – The Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music at Lamar University will present a guest artist concert featuring the jazz duo of pianist Joe LoCascio and saxophonist Woody Witt. The performance will be in the Rothwell Recital Hall onWednesday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. LoCascio and Witt will perform music from their latest CD, “Absinthe: The Music of Billy Strayhorn.” Admission is free.

“Having artists of this caliber coming to LU always provides a great opportunity for our students to listen, learn and ask questions of seasoned professionals,” said Rick Condit, director of jazz studies and associate professor of saxophone. “Joe and Woody are consummate professionals – the best of the best.”

A pioneering African-American composer, arranger and pianist, Billy Strayhorn was one of the forces behind the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He was the sole composer of many classic compositions, including the Ellington theme song, “Take The ‘A’ Train,” and the jazz classic “Lush Life.”

Joe LoCascio is professor of jazz studies and composition at Houston Community College. He teaches improvisation, arranging and composition, jazz ensemble, music fundamentals, music appreciation and improvisation theory.

Saxophonist Woody Witt is an affiliate artist at the University of Houston Moores School of Music and professor of jazz studies at Houston Community College – Town and Country campus. Witt also serves as the entertainment director of Houston’s premiere jazz club, Cézanne.

For more information, call the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music at (409) 880-8144 or visit lamar.edu/music.