Five Cities. One Story.

Keystone Jazz Orchestra closes PA 250 ‘Our Jazz Story’ concert series at MCG Jazz

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Tickets on sale now for the concert series celebrating PA jazz history!

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(Pittsburgh, Pa.) — In keeping with its mission to preserve, present and promote jazz, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild will host the final concert in a five-city tour celebrating the genre’s rich legacy in Pennsylvania. Keystone Jazz Orchestra (KJO) will perform PA 250 “Our Jazz Story” on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Guild, 1815 Metropolitan St., Pittsburgh.

The PA Jazz Alliance, Inc., in partnership with Pennsylvania Creative Industries, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild will present this special concert series. Tickets are $40. For tickets and more information, visit mcgjazz.org.

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Directed by Maestro Marko Marcinko, the tour celebrates the significant role Pennsylvania played in the evolution of jazz in America. Originating in New Orleans, the remarkable sound of this genre traveled north along the Mississippi River with the artists who helped shape music history. Jazz found a vibrant home in cities and towns throughout Pennsylvania, where the art form flourished. From early jazz and swing to bebop, post-bop, and modern fusion, Pennsylvania has remained a vital part of jazz history.

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Many legendary jazz artists have strong Pennsylvania connections, including John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey, Art Blakey, George Benson, Nina Simone, Henry Mancini, Benny Golson and more.

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Dedicated to honoring the commonwealth’s finest jazz masters, KJO is an 18-piece, all-star ensemble composed of acclaimed jazz musicians from across Pennsylvania. The orchestra features Nelson Hill, Chris Oatts, Chris Farr, Jason Kush and Rick Matt on saxophone; Eddie Severn, Duane Eubanks, Ed Jakuboski and Marcell Bellinger on trumpet; Bill Smith, Reggie Watkins, Stafford Hunter and Mark Lusk on trombone; Steve Rudolph on piano; Paul Rostock on bass; Marty Ashby on guitar; vocalist Amy Banks; and Artistic Director Marko Marcinko on drums.

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Pennsylvania state representatives and state senators will join the orchestra on stage to narrate the program with projected images illustrating the story. Lead narrators are State Representative Joe Ciresi,146th district, and State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, 121st district. The performance supports America250 PA’s mission to educate, preserve and celebrate Pennsylvania history. 

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In addition to the concert in Pittsburgh, the PA 250 “Our Jazz Story” tour features the following shows:

 

• Nov. 1, 6 p.m., Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst University,  501 E. 38th St., Erie. Tickets/Info: MIAC.mercyhurst.edu

• Nov. 5, 7 p.m., Lower Moreland High School, 555 Red Lion Rd., Huntingdon Valley. Tickets/Info: https://lmjazz.cheddarup.com.

• Nov. 6, 7 p.m., Lemmond Theater, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. Tickets/Info: Pajazzalliance.com/pa250

• Nov. 9, 7 p.m., Hershey High School, 500 Homestead Rd., Hershey.        Tickets/Info: hersheyjazzpa250.com

 

This special concert series is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Pennsylvania Creative Industries, PA Jazz Alliance Inc., Manchester Craftmen’s Guild,  VAST Steel, Ruth’s Chris Steak House Mohegan PA, Erie Insurance and Dr. Harmar and Leslie Brereton. To learn more about Keystone Jazz Orchestra and the PA Jazz Alliance, Inc., visit pajazzalliance.com.

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