LHU Director of Jazz Studies Eddie Severn will perform in a concert in Prague, Czech Republic.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Lock Haven University Assistant Professor Eddie Severn, an internationally noted trumpeter, will perform at a special concert in Prague, Czech Republic on September 8. The concert, organized by the office of Czech President Vaclav Klaus at the Prague Castle, celebrates the 60th birthday of the leading Czech bass player and composer, Frantisek Ulhir.

Severn is director of Jazz Studies at LHU. With his performance in Prague, Severn will add his name to the list of other international jazz musicians who have played at this venue, including the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and trumpeter Randy Becker.

This will not be Severn’s first time performing with Frantisek Ulhir. “I performed many times with Frantisek when I lived in Europe, as he plays regularly with pianist Emil Viklicky who is also an old friend an associate of mine,” he said. Severn added, “I am honored to have been invited to travel so far to play with Frantisek in Prague again. He is my favorite of the bass players I have worked with over the years.”

Performing with Severn and Uhlir will be Michal Wroblewski, alto sax; Pius Baumgartner, tenor sax; Stepan Janousek, trombone; Wolfgang Lackerschmid, vibraphone; Adam Tvardy, guitar; Mark Aanderud, piano; and Wolfgang Haffner, drums.

In April, Severn premiered his original jazz composition, “Eye of the Beholder,” at the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center at Lock Haven University. The five-movement piece expresses his personal experience while viewing the works of M.C. Escher, a 20th century Dutch artist known for his use of mathematical relationships, repeated shapes, mirror images and impossible constructions.

Severn has served as artist-in-residence at Loyalsock High School, helping to pilot a nationwide initiative called Teacher Artist Partnership (TAP). A resident of Williamsport, he frequently performs in Lock Haven, State College and Williamsport, as well as various venues internationally.