Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to take E.J. Thomas Hall stage Saturday

Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis has been a longtime jazz master and advocate for jazz as America's classical music. Akron audiences will have the opportunity to see him perform with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron.

The iconic Marsalis, 62, is artistic director of JLCO, the famed large-ensemble jazz group that performs in New York and tours around the world.

Here are nine things to know about Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Where is Wynton Marsalis from?

He was born in New Orleans in 1961 to a musical family.

When did Wynton Marsalis start playing trumpet?

American trumpeter and bandleader Al Hirt gave Marsalis his first trumpet when he was 6. He began his formal trumpet training at age 12.

How many Grammys has Wynton Marsalis won?

Nine. Marsalis is the only musician to win a Grammy Award in two categories, jazz and classical, during the same year, which happened in both 1983 and 1984. Marsalis was 22 when he won his first Grammys.

When did Wynton Marsalis start with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra?

Marsalis became artistic director in 1991. He followed David Berger, who conducted the orchestra when it was formed in 1988 as an outgrowth of the Lincoln Center's concert series, Classical Jazz.

How many times has JLCO performed for Tuesday Musical in Akron?

Twice, in 2011 and 2017, at E.J. Thomas Hall.

How many musicians are in the JLCO?

The jazz orchestra has 15 permanent members.

Performing in Akron will be Marsalis; drummer Obed Calvaire; trombonists Christopher Crenshaw and Jacob Melsha; saxophonist and clarinetist Chris Lewis; bassist Carlos Henriquez; saxophonist, flutist and clarinetist Sherman Irby; trumpeter Ryan Kisor; trombonist Elliot Mason; saxophonist, flutist and clarinetist Ted Nash; saxophonist and clarinetist Paul Nedzela; pianist Dan Nimmer; trumpeters Marcus Printup and Kenny Rampton; and saxophonist and clarinetist Abdias Armenteros.

What music does the JLCO play?

The jazz orchestra's large repertoire includes rare historic compositions as well as commissioned works, including those composed and arranged by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman and Charles Mingus. The ensemble also plays works by current and former JLCO members.

Musical selections will be announced from the E.J. Thomas Hall stage Saturday.

Has Wynton Marsalis won a Pulitzer Prize?

Yes. His "Blood on the Fields," a 2½-hour jazz oratorio commissioned by Lincoln Center, won the 1997 Pulitzer Prize for Music. That was the first time the prize was given for a jazz composition rather than a classical composer. "Blood on the Fields" delves into the history of slavery and its aftermath in the United States.

When did Wynton Marsalis' career launch?

The musician, who began trumpet performance studies at Juilliard in 1979, signed with Columbia Records for his first recording contract in 1980. The same year, he toured worldwide with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. In 1981, Marsalis formed his own quintet, which included his brother Branford.

How can I get tickets for Saturday's concert?

For tickets, which cost $35 to $65, see tuesdaymusical.org or call 330-761-3460. Tuesday Musical reports that tickets are selling fast.

Arts and restaurant writer Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or kclawson@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra play E.J. Thomas Saturday