Acoustic Quartet Returns to Iowa for Encore Engagements
April 10, 2011
In the mid 1990s, the Unified
Jazz Ensemble transformed Decorah and the surrounding area into a
hotbed of jazz education and performances as participants in the
National Endowment for the Arts' Chamber Music Rural Residencies
Initiative. "I'm looking forward to seeing our friends who've
remained fans over all these years. It's been about 13 years since
I've been back and the band will be 20 years old this August. It seemed the
right time to go back and thank all the people who helped us along
the way," said Noonan.
Read the article in the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier>
Unifying Jazz
April 6, 2011
Two decades after seeing their start in Decorah the experience gained from life in small town Iowa hasn’t faded for the ensemble. “The UJE maintains friendships with families and individuals created through the residency to this day and looks forward to returning,” says Noonan. When prompted about what sets the UJE apart from the masses, Jim Fritz quickly responds, “Longevity – while there have been personnel changes, the basic mission of UJE is still vibrant, as is their commitment to jazz education. It’s a passion they have as musicians and as a band.
Read the article by Benji Nichols from Inspire(d) Magazine>
Documentary Short Features UJE at 49 West
August 10, 2010
The Unified Jazz Ensemble (UJE) is featured in a documentary short film by videographer Mark Schulte, recorded at the band's steady Tuesday night gig at the 49 West Cafe in Annapolis, MD. The film features UJE bassist John Pineda describing the group's 14-year gig at one of Annapolis's favorite listening rooms.
Watch the film. >
UJE Awarded National 2010 Chamber Music America Residency Partnership Program Grant July 16, 2010
The Unified Jazz Ensemble (UJE) is one of just eight music ensembles nationwide to receive a 2010 grant award from Chamber Music America’s (CMA) Residency Partnership Program, funded through the generosity of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
View the press release. >
How Decorah Got in the Groove
Summer, 1994
Visit Kelly Bucheger's "Writings about Jazz" to find out more about UJE's experiance in the mid-west.
Check It Out >