July 16, 2010 – Saxophonist and recording artist Mattias DeDoes will officially become a college student/athlete in the fall of 2010. However, before departing his hometown and birthplace of Ann Arbor, Michigan, he will present a unique concert of high-energy jazz, funk, and soul on Friday, August 6^th.

DeDoes recently led his Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard baseball team to the high school state finals in Battle Creek. As team captain, ace hurler, and star infielder (when not pitching), DeDoes compiled a stellar 12-0 pitching record with 5 saves and a 1.19 ERA; hit .458 with 44 RBI’s; and led the Fighting Irish to a 43-2 overall mark (the 43 wins ties a state record). In February, DeDoes committed to Coach Adrian Abrahamowicz to play baseball at Oberlin (Ohio) College.

Mattie’s high school credentials made him an attractive prospect to countless colleges and universities. His academic achievements (33 ACT score, MHSAA "Scholar-Athlete" Finalist); musical accomplishments (the acclaimed CD "I’m A Player," concert appearances); and other athletic achievements (CHSL All-Academic in basketball along with his many baseball awards) allowed him to consider many attractive collegiate possibilities. Recruited as a pitcher by Division I schools, he chose Oberlin because of the opportunity to pitch as well as play positionally for a rising Division III program. In addition, the opportunity to pursue studies and music at a top-ranked liberal arts school that also has a world-renowned music conservatory along with an acclaimed jazz program was extremely attractive. When DeDoes was named recipient of the John F. Oberlin Scholarship, the Oberlin decision was clinched.

In May of 2010, Mattie closed the sold-out "Breakin’ Curfew" show with a searing sax solo on "Georgia On My Mind," backed by a full orchestra, to a sold-out Power Center (this on the heels of a walkoff win on the baseball field earlier that afternoon). DeDoes has previously shared the stage as soloist with many noteworthy musicians, including pianist Matt Michaels, vocalist Barbara Ware, harmonica wizard Peter "Madcat" Ruth, and jazz-fusion legend Jeff Lorber. He has performed on many occasions with his father, longtime keyboardist/composer/producer Steve DeDoes. Steve has many professional credits including stage, screen, and award-winning jazz and commercial recordings.  He is also presently an instructor at Washtenaw Community College.

The father-son duo collaborated – Mattie as featured artist, Steve as arranger and producer – on the CD "I’m A Player," released in full in 2009. This unique collection of musical styles presented slick arrangements of standards, jazz-funk classics, and original compositions by both DeDoes’. Other artists on the CD include Matt Michaels, Cary Kocher, and David Taylor, along with high school friend and guitarist Ben Pernick (Pioneer H.S., University of Miami) on Mattie’s infectious song "Overdrive." Pernick will make a guest appearance at the August 6 show; Mattie’s rhythm section will also include young talents Mark Pickel (bass, Western Michigan Univ.) and Don Gozzard (drums, Ann Arbor Huron H.S.). Gozzard and Pernick joined with DeDoes in the "Soul Merchants" jazz quartet in recent years.

The August 6^th event will take place at the Ann Arbor Free Methodist Church, 1951 Newport Road. The concert will start at 7:30pm. Arrangements of modern and classic jazz, pop-funk favorites, and some original compositions will all be a part of the show.

planned repertoire for this event

Contact: Mattias DeDoes/Steve DeDoes Media & Music Productions, 734.663.6357.

The CD "I’m A Player" is deliverable upon request. For online musical samples, visit www.dedoesmusic.com.