UI Jazz Professor Presents Exclusive Valentine’s Day Candlelight Concert

Jazz history maker redefines the candlelight concert experience at Noce

Renowned jazz saxophonist, educator and recording artist Dr. Damani Phillips proudly presents an exclusive Valentine’s Day performance at Noce Jazz and Cabaret on Sunday, February 14, 2027. Joining the faculty in 2013, Phillips is currently UI’s Director of Jazz Studies and proudly holds the distinction of being the first African American in the world to earn a Doctorate in Jazz Performance. An extension of the popular “by candlelight” concert theme, Phillips will collaborate with esteemed Noce Jazz Club in presenting an elegantly intimate night of music for jazz quartet with 8-piece string section – all entirely composed and/or arranged by Phillips himself.

Having performed and taught across the world, Phillips is proud to present this most elegant and exceptional night of music in Des Moines. Joined by a lineup of the state of Iowa’s finest jazz musicians and eight of the state’s first-call string players, this night promises to be a one-of-a kind concert experience that exudes romance utterly befitting of the day. Presented in “concert in the round” format with the venue bathed entirely in candlelight, the night will be an elegant, intimate, romantic, and distinctly memorable affair.  Deliberately designed to sharply contrast existing “strings by candlelight” offerings, this will be much more than “just another jazz show” – but rather a sonic and visual experience. A “one of one” performance that’s difficult to find duplicated anywhere else in the nation. Two show options (with different music for each) that cover the spectrum of jazz-related substyles, including:  traditional jazz, hip hop, funk, ballad, Latin jazz – plus a few surprises that escape convenient labels.

Show: Jazz Candlelight and You: Damani Phillips w/ Strings by Candlelight

Date: Sunday, February 14, 2027 (Valentine’s Day)

Location: Noce Jazz and Cabaret (1326 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309)

Time: Shows at 4pm and 6:30pm

Show Info / Tickets: www.linktr.ee/DPCandlelight

Musicians

• Damani Phillips – saxophones, Jason Danielson – piano, Miles Rochford – bass, Ryan Hayden – drums
• Hanna Wole, Andrea Allen, Robert Espe, Alexandre da Silve Negrao – violin
• Kylie Little – viola
• Patrick Riley, Haziel Candido da Silva Santos – cello