NSU Jazz Ambassadors Jambalaya with Kathy Kosins

TAHLEQUAH - Northeastern State University Jazz Studies will kick off its guest artist season with the 2nd-Annual NSU Jazz Ambassadors Jambalaya on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 6:30 p.m. with a performance by jazz vocalist Kathy Kosins.

"Kathy Kosins represents the many great things happening in vocal jazz today," said Arthur White, NSU director of Jazz Studies. "She is a stellar interpreter, a great songwriter, and a consummate performer."

Cajun food, a silent auction, and live performances from NSU jazz groups have become a staple for the now annual event.

Kosins, a Detroit native, currently records for Mahogany Jazz, the record label operated by jazz vocal star Kevin Mahogany. She began singing and arranging background vocals for producer Don Was in the early '80s, acquiring more than 35 credits to her name.

As a lead vocalist, Kosins recorded for both Cararre and Quality Records, then toured with Was/Not Was. By the early '90s, her musical taste in R&B evolved to jazz. Stints with the JC Heard and Nelson Riddle Orchestras followed and led to the 1996 release of "All In A Dreams Work," an impressive debut featuring a collection of nine originals and a cover of Miles Davis' "Four."

Her 2002 release "Mood Swings" continued to bring recognition and success at the national level. Kosins' most recent album, "Vintage," was released in 2005. She recently wrapped a summer tour with Mahogany and saxophone legend Red Holloway and is a six-time recipient of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Songwriters Award.

Kosins will perform with NSU student jazz combos, the NSU faculty jazz combo, and will premiere two brand new big band arrangements by White with the celebrated NSU Jazz Ensemble.

Local artists, businesses, and civic groups have donated services and items for the popular silent auction. All proceeds benefit the NSU Jazz Studies program, which promotes jazz performances and education throughout the region and supports the arts in Tahlequah.

Tickets are $30 for individuals or $50 for couples. For more information on the concert, call 918-456-5511, extensions 4602 or 4603.

Copies of the NSU Jazz Ensemble's latest CD "Appointment in Milano" will be on sale at the event. All proceeds from the sale of the record will support NSU Jazz Studies.