Sharel Cassity Visits WTJU to Prepare us for A Swingin’ Halloween
By WTJU
Date: 10/27/2026
Time: 11:00 am
Sharel Cassity will stop by Jazz at 100 Now on Tuesday to talk with Steve Harris about an upcoming concert at Old Cabell Hall. The University of Virginia Department of Music will present A Swingin’ Halloween, featuring the UVA Jazz Ensemble, on Friday, October 30, at 7:30 p.m. The concert features special guest artist Richard Johnson, piano, with a performance by Carol Morgan, trumpet. Tune in to the conversation on 91.1 FM or stream at wtju.net.
Under the dynamic new leadership of Sharel Cassity, the University of Virginia Jazz Ensemble continues its tradition as one of the nation’s most imaginative and forward-thinking collegiate jazz programs. More than a big band, the ensemble is a vibrant creative community where tradition, innovation, and individuality come together in performance. Drawing from the rich history of jazz while boldly embracing modern influences, the program brings classic repertoire to life alongside original student compositions, inventive arrangements, and genre-crossing collaborations.
Sharel Cassity is a nationally acclaimed saxophonist recognized on both the national and international jazz scenes. Named DownBeat Magazine’s “Rising Star Alto Saxophone” of 2023, Sharel has appeared on renowned shows such as the Today Show, Good Morning America, and The Colbert Show. She is an inductee of the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and a recipient of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award.
