Acclaimed jazz pianist Peter Nero will perform in the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall at the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus as a part of its jazz series.

During the performance Nero will be doing a tribute to legendary jazz pianist Art Tatum. Nero, a mentee of Tatum, will first give the audience a historic look at the life of Tatum as well as the influences and training that Tatum had to go through to become the legend he is today.

Following the historic look into the life of Tatum, Nero will perform renditions of some classical pieces including "Over the Rainbow," "Ain't Misbehavin" and "Somebody to Watch Over Me" as well as many other of Nero's favorite pieces.

Bob Cerchio, assistant director of the Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts, said that even though students didn't grow up in his era, they should be familiar with its music.

"He [Nero] is one of the great Jazz pianists of all time, and from my perspective I think the students may not know who he is when he starts but by the time he is finished working with them they'll certainly understand," Cerchio said.

Cerchio also feels it is essential for students today to know about the life and legacy of Tatum.

"We build on the shoulders of those that come before us, so the more we can recognize our history and where we have come from, the better musicians it makes us," Cerchio said. "If a student understands that this technique that he's using just didn't appear, that it was someone that came years ago and created this technique then it helps in the communication process, it gives students a vocabulary to use when they're talking about their art."

Micah Thomas, Southeast senior in the music department, said she is excited for the performance and is interested to hear about the life of Tatum, someone she has been listening to her whole life.

"I am very excited to hear more about Art Tatum and how his music was created," Thomas said. "When I was younger my dad would always play his jazz music, so I grew up listening to him. As a music major, featuring tributes like this at the River Campus is essential."

"An Evening with Peter Nero: A Salute to Art Tatum" will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 in the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall. Students receive half-off ticket prices at this event and tickets can be purchased at the River Campus Box Office.

For more information about this performance and ticket prices, contact the River Campus Box Office at (573) 651-2265 or at RiverCampusEvents.com.