Bijon Watson, the lead trumpet for the Grammy-nominated Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, will perform at Nebraska Wesleyan University on Sunday, September 25.
Watson’s performance is part of the annual homecoming Pops Concert with Nebraska Wesleyan’s Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble. The free concert begins at 5:30 p.m. in O’Donnell Auditorium, 50th Street and Huntington Ave.
Watson has performed and recorded with iconic artists including Natalie Cole, Michael Bublé, Justin Timberlake, Harry Connick, Jr., Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, and more. He has performed on “The Tonight Show,” “American Idol” and “Dancing With The Stars.”
Sunday’s concert includes songs, “Hearts Reaching Upward,” “Stardust,” “American Jazz Suite,” “The Love Connection,” “Groove,” and “Begin the Beguine,” among others.
Sunday’s concert will also include recognition of two Nebraska Wesleyan University alumni. Kevin Boesinger will be honored with the “Outstanding Music Alum” Award. Boesinger graduated from NWU with a bachelor of music education degree. He is the creative arts pastor at Christ Community Church in Beatrice where he has served since 1990. He will direct the Symphonic Band’s performance of “Avial,” which he composed for the ensemble. Kaitlin Westbrook will be honored with the “Outstanding Young Music Alum” Award. Westbook earned a degree in English literature and music from NWU and is now a professor in the Center for English Language Learning at the University of Missouri.