Tom Knific has performed on tour and on record with Gene Bertoncini, Randy Brecker, Art Farmer, Dave Brubeck, Fred Hersch, The Merling Trio, OPUS 21, Philippe Entremont and others. He and Eric Marienthal co-led the “Dream Band” with Toots Thielemans, Kenny Werner and Harvey Mason in the first live interactive jazz concert multi-cast world wide over the Internet. A renown educator, his students have toured and recorded with Betty Carter, Vincent Herring, Cedar Walton, and perform in orchestras on three continents. He received the Down Beat magazine Achievement in Jazz Education award in 2004. Tom is professor of bass and director of jazz studies at Western Michigan University and leader of the WJQ. The WJQ has appeared on five continents receiving rave reviews for their five CD’s of original music. Knific appears on over 30 CD’s. His four solo CD’s, Home Bass, 1998, Siena, 2004, Lines of Influence, 2009, and The Muse, 2011, have received critical acclaim. Knific is a prolific composer in a variety of idioms, and is published by ISB Editions, Dallas, and Editions Delatour, Paris. Knific is past president of the International Society of Bassists.

About Concerts in The Park:
One of Kalamazoo’s long-standing traditions offered Sunday’s in June, July and August in Bronson Park deliver a unique offering unlike other concert series in Kalamazoo. Each concert is free and is friendly for the entire family. Picnic meals (no grilling allowed), blankets or lawn chairs are encouraged. Shows begin at 4 pm. The rain location is First United Methodist Church, just across from Bronson Park (unless otherwise noted). Notice will be posted on kalamazooarts.org and Facebook if the concert is moved indoors due to inclement weather.

Concerts in the Park is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, with support from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, Kalamazoo Parks & Rec and Encore Magazine.