From Staff Reports

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Renowned tenor saxophonist Mario Cruz, a former member of the legendary rock-fusion group “Blood, Sweat and Tears,” will share the stage with established and up-and-coming jazz musicians in a series of concerts celebrating Collin College’s Texas All-Star Jazz Camp.

The camp is scheduled July 18-21. Concerts are free and open to the public.

In addition to “Blood, Sweat and Tears,” Cruz has worked with several jazz greats, including great Jaco Pastorius. After 25 years performing in the New York music scene, Cruz returned to his Texas roots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and continues to perform at many Texas area jazz clubs and festivals.

The saxophonist is the guest artist at this year’s Texas All-Star Jazz Camp, an annual summer camp at Collin College for students interested in expanding their musical knowledge and learning skills from influential jazz artists and educators from across the country.

All concerts will be held in the John Anthony Theatre at Collin College’s Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. The concerts are as follows:

• Collin Jazz Combo with Mario Cruz — 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 18 
This concert will feature the Collin Jazz Combo group with the guest artist.
• Faculty Big Band with Mario Cruz — 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 19
 Collin College and Collin Jazz Camp faculty will play with the guest artist.
• Student Big Band Concert — 6 p.m., Friday July 21 This concert features student camp participants only.

For more information, contact Professor Pete Weise at [email protected] or 972-881-5107.