‘An Evening of Valentine’s Jazz’ Friday night

Friday the 13th is a lucky day for those in love. That’s when the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University presents “An Evening of Valentine’s Jazz” featuring saxophonist Todd Wright, guitarist Andy Page, bass player Zach Page and drummer Rick Dilling.

Michelle Amato is the guest soloist.

The free performance begins at 8 p.m. in Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall.

Amato is a dynamic vocalist known for her ability to convey the deep passion of a song’s lyrics.

She has been a featured soloist with the Memphis Symphony, the South Florida Pops, the Baton Rouge Symphony, the Florida West Coast Symphony, the Orlando Philharmonic and the All-American College Orchestra at EPCOT Center.

She has performed and recorded with artists such as Liza Minelli, Jon Secada, Al Green, Sandi Patty, Jon Hendricks, Donna Summer, Michael McDonald, Celia Cruz and Rita Marley, and has most recently been recording and touring with world-renowned composer Yanni.

Amato holds a master’s degree from the University of Miami School of Music. She has coached vocalists for Cirque du Soleil and taught private students and directed jazz vocal ensembles at The University of Miami, Miami Dade Community College, Memphis State University and Rollins College.

She is an adjudicator for the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts, the Florida Vocal Association, and various jazz societies.

The program for the evening will be chosen from the following: “ You and the Night and the Music,” “ Candy,” “Sugar,” “Sweet and Lovely,” “Ain’t She Sweet,” “L-O-V-E,” “I’m All Smiles,” “All the Things You Are,” “The Nearness of You,” “I’ve Got the World on a String,” “The Island,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Black Coffee,” and “” I Love You.”