FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Bethany, OK] - Southern Nazarene University is welcoming attendees to a free jazz recital featuring the Jim Graves Quintet on February 19, 2026, at 7 p.m. The concert will take place in Cantrell Hall on SNU’s campus.
The Jim Graves Quintet is set to perform a show full of jazz standards, musical theatre numbers, and contemporary music with jazz influence, as well as some original compositions.
The performers include Dr. Jim Graves, Director of Choral Activities; Prof. Rei Bowen on bass; Prof. Cody Sirk on saxophone; SNU alumnus Zach Sutton on piano; and Dave Bowen on drums. Jim Graves says, “This collection of musicians bring years of performance experience across many genres of music. In 2025 alone, Zach Sutton toured through China with the Kyle Dillingham Band, and Rei and Dave Bowen did a jazz tour across Japan.”
More than just a night of great music, this recital will showcase our talented SNU faculty while, “…helping our students see their professors do more than just talk about the theory of performance,” says Graves, "It is important to the music faculty that we share the professional performance side of ourselves, not just the pedagogical practices. All of the music faculty perform at a professional level on campus and across the world. Professors Becky and Jeff Ambrosini sing professionally, Dr. Bryan Powell plays every fall as part of the faculty/student piano duet concert, Professor Fairbanks has extensive performance experience, and Professor Ken Rosfeld oversees professional recording sessions and is able to share those experiences with his students. This is just a chance to exercise some of my own creativity and make music with incredible musicians.”
An Evening with the Jim Graves Quintet will be hosted in Cantrell Hall on the Bethany campus of Southern Nazarene University on February 19, 2026, with music beginning at 7 p.m. There is no charge for admission. To find more information on SNU School of Music events, please visit snu.edu/school-of-music/events.
About Southern Nazarene University
Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian institution committed to shaping servant leaders since 1899. With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs offered on campus and online, SNU emphasizes accessibility, purpose-driven education, and holistic student support.