The NIU Jazz Ensemble will perform its nationally honored annual fall concert with special guest appearances by artist Denis Di Blasio and new vocalist Jon Johnson Thursday.

The free concert will begin at 8:00 p.m. in the Duke Ellington Ballroom of the Holmes Student Center.

Di Blasio has performed worldwide for the last seven years with Maynard Ferguson’s band. Ferguson’s last album, “Body and Soul,” featured numerous pieces which were arranged by Di Blasio, Jazz Ensemble Director Ron Modell said.

Modell said, “Denis is a great performer, composer and one of the truly great scat singers.” Scat singing involves improvising with the voice, just as a performer would with an instrument, Modell said.

Di Blasio’s main instrument is the baritone-sax but he is also “an incredible flutist,” Modell said. Di Blasio currently performs with his “Denis Di Blasio Quartet” and conducts clinics at universities and high schools throughout the United States.

Di Blasio has appeared on the CBS “Sunday Morning Show” with pianist Billy Taylor and also on NBC’s “Tomorrow” with Tom Snyder.

Another star attraction at Thursday’s performance will be the jazz ensemble’s newest vocalist Johnson. He joined the ensemble this year after transferring from Augustana where he sang in the choir for four years. Modell said, “Jon ranks at the top of the class. When he walks on stage the audience recognizes class.”

Johnson will be performing songs such as “Just Once,” by James Ingram, “High Crime” by Al Jarreau and also the jazz tune “Well Alright, ok, You Win,” by Joel Williams.”

Johnson began singing in his father’s church in the choir and then later in the high school choir. At NIU Johnson has competed in several talent shows. He said, “The NIU Jazz Band is great experience and very good exposure because it is so respected.”

Johnson said he currently is singing with a band from his hometown of Peoria called “Criss Cross.” He said the band specializes in urban-contemporary which includes top-40 hits, rock and soul.

Several students involved in the NIU Music Program have gone on to be great performers in the music industry, Modell said. Angie Jarecki, a former member of the Jazz Ensemble, recently won a Grammy. She is singing with the Clare-Fisher vocal group and is considered one of the top ten vocalists in Los Angeles for commercials singing, Modell said.

Debra Powell was also a former member of the Black Choir and Jazz Ensemble at NIU. She now is appearing with Natalie Cole. Modell said, “People don’t realize that when they attend these performances, they might be hearing a star of tomorrow.”