EAST LANSING, MI -- The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Chi Epsilon Omega Chapter in East Lansing on MSU's campus really know how to throw a Jazzy Brunch.

On Saturday, October 23rd the "Professors of Jazz" gave the delighted audience a wonderful show at the Kellogg Center's Big Ten Room! While patron's helped themselves to the abundant feast, the Professors played light, smooth, tinkling, and romantic instrumentals, like "All the Things You Are."

There were many potential prodigies accompanied by parents, and grandparents to experience the beautiful, and technically precise execution of jazz standards. Rodney Whittaker, Director of jazz studies says there are jazz scholarships available through the MSU's School of Music. You can contribute to the Jazz Endowment by calling (517) 353.9958, or by purchasing the Professors of Jazz CD, "The Third Floor" on the MSU label.

The "Professors of Jazz" are Derrick Gardner on Trumpet (soft & sweet), Diego Rivera on Tenor Saxophone, Randy Gelispie on Drums [the smoothest drums (symbols) you ever want to hear], Rodney Whitaker on Bass and Rick Roe on Piano. Their misty, mello, rhythmic tones enchanted the full house of some 300 classic jazz appreciators.

Sunny Wilkinson was the featured vocalist-professor, who was once part of a duo with Tom Knific, WMU Jazz Professor (President of the International Base Society, Western Jazz Quartet, solo artist) in Kalamazoo. Sunny's voice reminds you of Sarah Vaughn. Her scatting was so smooth it sounded like "French," ...sha ba (da) ba doo... The crowd loved it when she sang the bouncy tune "Day By Day," and the racy lyrics of "So In Love" to close the event. Everyone in attendance was saying it was lovely event.

Sorority planners were: Carrie B. Jackson, President, Deborah Venice Smith, Mistress of Ceremonies, Mecha L. Crockett, Fundraising Chair for programs and scholarships Jan Henderson, Hostess Member.