July 29, 2013 (Jackson) - Michael Adkins is only a junior at Belhaven, studying for his Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition, and is already showcasing his musical talent around the world. Adkins, who plays the saxophone, teamed up with three other veterans of Jazz music for a tour that took them to audiences in Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Sarnia, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. The concert featured music by Thelonious Monk, Paul Motian, and Duke Ellington, along with original compositions by Adkins.
The quartet includes Kevin Turcotte who is a popular jazz artist in Canada known for his mastery of the trumpet. Jim Vivian, a veteran bass player, joined the quartet for the tour, along with Ian Froman who is a Juno-award winning drummer.
This year Adkins was awarded the Exemplary Instrumental Music Award by the Belhaven Music Department. Before he studied at Belhaven, Michael lived in New York City working as a saxophonist and composer. In 2005, Adkins released his debut album, Infotation, with his original compositions which would be followed by a second album, Rotator, featuring the legendary Paul Motian on drums alongside, Russ Lossing on piano and John Hebert on bass. The 2008 release of Rotator was chosen as Wire Magazine’s Jazz improve recording of the year.
Belhaven University stands among select Christian colleges and universities and has been repeatedly named one of “America’s 100 Best College Buys." The University offers 30 academic majors across a full spectrum of disciplines as well as a variety of graduate programs. In addition, Belhaven has achieved the distinction of being among only 30 universities nationally accredited in each of the major arts – music, theatre, visual art and dance. All programs are taught from a Christian worldview perspective and are guided by the mission to prepare students academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, in human relationships, and in the world of ideas.
Belhaven University serves over 3,700 students offering undergraduate and graduate degrees on its residential campus, an online degree program, and graduate and adult degree programs in Jackson, Memphis, Orlando, Houston, Chattanooga, and Atlanta.