The Performing Arts Studio is very pleased to announce a series of jazz concerts, opening with the Dennis Borycki Quartet in the Norman Depot, 200 South Jones Avenue, at 7:30 PM on Sunday, July 15.  Refreshments will be served at concerts, for which there is no admission charge.

Dennis Borycki began playing organ at 7 years of age and earned a Masters degree in organ performance from the University of Oklahoma under the guidance of Mildred Andrews Boggess, but he was as much a fan of jazz piano as he was of pipe organ.  Not long after college he began moonlighting as a jazz keyboardist in clubs around Oklahoma City, while also playing organ for services and weddings at local churches.

In 1986, Borycki moved to Nashville and soon assumed keyboardist duties for country star Jerry Reed, touring with Reed for several years.  Credits also include several European tours with country artist Billie Jo Spears, work on projects by Grammy winning vocalist Barbara Bailey Hutchison, violinists Conni Elisor and David Davidson, a stint with 1995 Grammy jazz nominee Jeff Kirk’s live ensemble ... and occasional gigs with Byron Berline’s band and other Oklahoma musicians.  He has several original recordings to his credit and now focuses on writing original music, playing recording sessions and local music venues, and teaching keyboard.

Shane Conaway picked up a guitar at the young age of 6 and knew this was the thing for him.  Playing guitar was his main focus and passion throughout his school years.  He went on to attend the University of Central Oklahoma where he graduated in 1997 with a degree in Music Performance.  

Conaway shares his time performing with several jazz bands ranging from local Oklahoma musicians to big name acts such as Slide Hampton, Phil Woods, Bruce Forman, and Grammy winner Michael Feinstein. Conaways most recent addition to the on-going list of musical accomplishments includes being hand picked by country newcomer, Katrina Elam, to be on the "Be Here Now Tour" with headliner Keith Urban in 2004.

Bassist Johnny Nelson is an alumnus of the University of Central Oklahoma School of Music. Mr. Nelson frequently performs with the Heather Nelson Trio, Brian Gorrell's Jazz Company, and is also very active in the regional music community in a variety of genres.

Drummer will complete the quartet.

The second concert in the series is scheduled Sunday, September 16, featuring the Mitch Bell Trio.

Jazz at the Depot is made possible in part by grants from the Norman Arts Council, the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.  Arvest Bank is a corporate sponsor.

For further information, contact the Performing Arts Studio at 405-307-9320 (office hours are 8 am to 3 pm Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 Sunday.)