Keystone Jazz Orchestra kicks off PA250 ‘Our Jazz Story’ tour at Mercyhurst University
Five-city concert series celebrates Pennsylvania jazz history, Nov. 1
In honor of Pennsylvania’s rich history of jazz, Keystone Jazz Orchestra (KJO) will launch a five-city tour in November, starting in Erie.
The PA Jazz Alliance, Inc., in partnership with Pennsylvania Creative Industries, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Mercyhurst University’s School of the Arts, will present PA250 “Our Jazz Story” on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 6 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst University, Erie.
Directed by Maestro Marko Marcinko, the concert series 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.
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.
Dedicated to honoring the commonwealth’s finest jazz masters, KJO is a 20-piece 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, Kevin McManus, 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.
Pennsylvania state representatives and state senators will join KJO on stage to narrate this incredible jazz story, making this Pennsylvania celebration extremely unique.
In support of America250PA’s mission to educate, preserve, and celebrate Pennsylvania history, state representatives and senators will offer historical narration throughout the program with projected images enhancing the story.
Following opening night in Erie, the PA250 “Our Jazz Story” tour continues with the following shows:
• Nov. 5, Lower Moreland High School, Huntingdon Valley
• Nov. 6, Misericordia University, Dallas
• Nov. 9, Hershey High School, Hershey
• Nov. 17, Manchester Craftsman’s Guild, Pittsburgh
This special concert series is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Pennsylvania Creative Industries, Erie Insurance, Country Fair, PA Jazz Alliance Inc., Romolo Chocolates, Mercyhurst University School of the Arts, Jodi S. Hopper, Dean, and The D’Angelo School of Music Roche Guest Artists Series.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for senior citizens, $20 for non-Mercyhurst students, and free for Mercyhurst students. A $2.50 ticketing fee applies to all tickets, regardless of purchase method. To purchase tickets, visit miac.mercyhurst.edu and select “Buy Tickets” from the top menu bar or visit the Box Office in the Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th Street, Erie. Box Office hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
For ticketing questions, contact Mercyhurst Performing Arts Center at 814-824-3000 or email agardner@mercyhurst.edu.
For more information, visit miac.mercyhurst.edu and select “School of the Arts” from the top menu, then scroll to “PA 250: Our Jazz Story.” Follow the School of the Arts on Instagram @mercyhurstsota for sneak peeks and spotlights.
To learn more about Keystone Jazz Orchestra and the PA Jazz Alliance, Inc., visit pajazzalliance.com.