SATURDAY STAFF STORIES:
KEN QUINN
Q: How long have you been with MCG Jazz?
A: I would say over 20 years.
Q: Why did you join MCG Jazz?
A: Been a lifelong jazz fan, I just wanted to be a part of the music as non musician and help promote the music anyway I could.
Q: What do you do at MCG Jazz?
A: Front House Coordinator.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: I think it is what I read by Wynton Marsalis, "Jazz Is Life." It was the theme of MCG's 25th anniversary season. I even had it printed on my favorite sweatshirt.
Q: Do you have a mentor? If so, tell us about them.
A: My dad and my uncles Arden and Ed. My uncles Ed and Arden were both semi professional musicians and, along with my dad, nurtured my love of music, particularly jazz. My dad had a special love of jazz big bands, which to this day, I share with him.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
A: Interacting with our various patrons at our concerts and at other music events outside MCG. Sharing the excitement the music brings to others.
Q: Tell us a surprising or a fun fact about you.
A: I hosted a jazz radio show over 10 years ago. I am doing research on a book about the history of high school baseball in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio - a big undertaking on my part but fun. In my large music collection I have cd's, vinyl, and even cassette tapes and reel to reel recordings LOL!!
Q: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
A: I help run an 18 and under summer baseball league. I love collective music recordings and going out to listen to live jazz.
Q: What type of jazz is your favorite to listen to/play?
A: I listen to all types of jazz.
Q: What is something that has surprised you about working at MCG Jazz?
A: The dedication of the MCG staff to bring this great art form of jazz to the public.
Q: Who is an artist you want to see perform at MCG Jazz and why?
A: Singer Kitty Margolis - I saw her on the West Coast years ago and fell in love with her music. It is on my bucket list to hear live again. By the way, MCG helped me cross off two other musicians from my bucket list that I waited to hear live for years: Stacy Kent and Artemis, who are playing this upcoming season.