The Jordan VanHemert Quartet

We are delighted to present, for the first time on the Nocturne stage, saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Jordan VanHemert with his quartet. A prolific composer and performer across a broad range of styles, VanHemert will be playing a wide-ranging program of original compositions and arrangements of well-loved standards, featuring an all-star band: Jihee Heo (piano), Seth Lewis(bass), and Andy Wheelock (drums). 

Born in Korea and raised in Michigan, saxophonist, composer, and educator Jordan VanHemert makes music rooted in the jazz tradition and guided by a resolute political consciousness, illuminating issues of race and social justice. With a penchant for modern, swinging melodicism, he pays homage to his Korean roots while drawing on the blues-infused hard bop tradition handed down to him by his mentors. VanHemert has played with the likes of John Daversa, Dmitri Matheny, Rodney Whitaker, John Webber, Geri Allen, Chris Vadala, Vince DiMartino, and Dave Eggar. An integral part of VanHemert’s mission is to advocate for API and BIPOC representation through his art, in part by sharing Korean culture, perspectives, and storytelling through music. He has co-chaired a number of diversity committees, including the North American Saxophone Alliance Committee on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility. Jordan is the Director of Jazz Studies at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, and previously at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music in Georgia. He has earned awards for his exemplary teaching and his commitment to students in and outside the classroom.

Set One: 6:30 - 7:45 pm | Set Two: 9:00 - 10:30 pm

TICKETS