UNLV Jazz Ensembles will host a special concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 20 in Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on the UNLV campus. The performance will feature internationally acclaimed jazz artist Bob Sheppard.

Tickets are $5 and on sale at the Performing Arts Center Box Office. Students, seniors, and military are free. To purchase tickets, call 895-ARTS (2787).

Sheppard, one of the most highly respected and well-known improvising artists on the music scene today, is in high demand for session work, having recorded more than 100 television and movie soundtracks. He has built a career consisting of many long-term collaborations with leading and respected artists. In addition to being an accomplished saxophonist, he is a multi-instrumentalist playing flutes, clarinet, and bass clarinet.

Sheppard's solo recording debut "Tell Tale Signs" (Windham Hill Jazz), was produced by Steely Dan's Walter Becker and includes his compositions that reflect Sheppard's personal style. His influences are widely varied in style and range from Joe Henderson to John Coltrane and Paul Desmond to Cannonball Adderly, in addition to many of the notable jazz artists with whom he has performed.

Acknowledged for his inspiring musical spontaneity, his dramatic playing style is supported by an expressive warm and centered tone that fluctuates through tonal ranges of dark intensity to lyrical sensitivity. These attributes combined with his keen musical intuition, make him a desirable and creative collaborator who accents performances with his own personal twist.