The Performing Arts Series and the Reno Jazz Festival present rising star jazz composer and vocal phenom, Michael Mayo, performing with the University’s faculty ensemble, The Collective. Gifted with perfect pitch and impressive improvisational chops, Mayo will make for an extraordinary and never before seen performance alongside The Collective pianist Adam Benjamin, saxophonist Peter Epstein, bassist Hans Halt, drummer Andrew Heglund, and trumpeter Josh Reed. Mayo, a Los Angeles native literally grew up within earshot and sight of musical superstars. His fresh recordings reveal his advancing stylistic range—from his smoother than melting butterscotch a cappella presentation of “If You Could See Me Now” to his commanding, on-point urgency in “What’s My Name,” performed at the 2019 BRIC JazzFest with the band Kneebody. At other times, Mayo uses his body as an instrument that mimics instrumental sounds with mind-blowing results—you’ve simply got to hear Mayo’s vocal rendition of John Coltrane’s classic instrumental “Giant Steps.” Recognized as one of the most imaginative and distinctive jazz ensembles in the northwestern United States, The Collective members comprise the core of the University of Nevada Reno’s Program in Jazz and Improvisation Music. All are dedicated to sharing their knowledge of improvisation, composition, history while contributing to the evolution of jazz. Together, they have released four albums and are actively performing, recording and teaching throughout the world.