Flutist Holly Hofmann to perform at Troesh

On Wed., July 19 at 7 p.m., Hofmann will perform at La Sierra’s Troesh Conference Center, accompanied by Pierce Street Jazz regulars Henry “the Skipper” Franklin on bass, Theo Saunders on piano, and Ramon Banda on Drums. Admission is free.

Hofmann’s career includes 12 recordings and partnerships with renowned jazz artists including Ray Brown, Frank Wess, Cedar Walton, Kenny Barron. In her early career, Hofmann spent seven years with the Horton Grand Hotel presenting acclaimed artists such as Diana Krall, Tommy Flanagan and others during which time she released her first national CD. She recorded several duets with pianist Bill Cunliffe at Azica Records. Hofmann later toured with Ray Brown and his trio across the United States and Europe.

Hofmann married the well-known pianist and arranger Mike Wofford in 2001. Together they have collaborated and toured with other respected artists such as Peter Washington, Victoria Lewis and Flutology, a sextet group. Her recent recordings include an album release with Capri Records entitled “Low Life: The Alto Flute Project.”

Hofmann was born in Cleveland to a jazz guitarist, influencing her desire to play musical instruments. Hofmann’s parents insisted she establish a classical foundation, resulting in her studying under the Cleveland Orchestra’s principal flutist Maurice Sharp. She received a Bachelor of Music from Cleveland Institute of Music and a Master of Music from the University of Northern Colorado. Thomas Burns, president of Capri Records in a biography of Hofmann states the classically-trained artist has received praise and respect for her efforts in establishing the flute as a powerful jazz instrument.

Franklin has organized the Pierce Street Jazz concerts at La Sierra University since their inception as a summer jazz series in 2009. His broad experience includes recordings on more than 150 albums and compact discs including gold releases, many of which he produced.

Saunders, one of the busiest pianists in the music business, has performed in many of the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals and concert halls with distinguished artists including Freddie Hubbard, Carla Bley, David “Fathead” Newman, Barbara Morrison, Gladys Knight, and many others. He has directed music for opera productions and international musical theatre. As a composer, Saunders has numerous compositions to his credit as well as original scores for theatre, radio and multimedia production.

Banda performed 24 years with the Grammy award-winning Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band. He is a current band member with famed jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco. Banda grew up in Norwalk, Calif., part of a large musical family. Over the past two decades, Ramon has performed on more than 22 recordings and recorded and played with such music greats as Dizzie Gillespie, Tito Puente, Freddie Hubbard, Chick Corea, Arturo Sandoval, Diana Reeves and others.

The Troesh Conference Center is located at the Zapara School of Business, La Sierra University. For further information, call 951-785- 2148. La Sierra University is located at 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside. A campus map is available at https://lasierra.edu/campus-map/.