Johnson County Community College
Press Release

College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Associate Vice President, Marketing Communications, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122

2/16/09
Story by Peggy Graham

Jazz vocalist Gutierrez sings soulful music

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Versatile vocalist Ron Gutierrez will perform at noon Tuesday, March 17, in the Recital Hall of the Carlsen Center, Johnson Coun

ty Community College, as part of the free Jazz Series.  Playing with Gutierrez are Wayne Hawkins, piano; Steve Rigazzi, bass; and Tim Cambron, drums.

Gutierrez, originally from Topeka, began performing in a vocal jazz ensemble while a student at the University of Kansas. He sang in Kansas City clubs and performed three years as lead vocal with Garry Mac Productions and The Atlantic Express. Encouraged by his career, he  successfully auditioned for the elite vocal ensemble with the U.S. Army Band, Pershing’s Own, performing for countless foreign and U.S. dignitaries.

Since leaving the Army, Gutierrez has been based in Kansas City, where he has been a featured vocalist with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Kansas City Jazz Orchestra and Kerry Strayer Orchestra, among others. Worldwide, he has been a soloist for services and concerts at St. Peter’s Basilica and all major basilicas in Rome and headlined the First Annual Fes Jazz Festival in Morocco.

Gutierrez draws on his many experiences to sing jazz, country, Christian, pop and R&B with a rich and soulful voice.

The Jazz Series continues at noon Tuesday in the Recital Hall unless otherwise noted:

The series is cosponsored by the JCCC music departments, Community Services and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts. Seating is available first-come, first-served.

For information, call 913-469-8500, ext. 3605.