Central PA Friends of Jazz

Formerly pianist with Branford Marsalis and Mike Brecker, joey Calderazzo has forged a great career and is now touring with his own trio - Ben Wolfe (bass) and Donald Edwards (drums).  We are proud to present him as the final Fall Concert of our 38th season.  Doors open at 2:30pm - all seats general admission.  There is no front band for this event - the group will play two sets.

A native of New Rochelle, New York, Calderazzo began his classical studies at age six. Improvisation came naturally even then; long before he began any formal jazz training, the young pianist was making up variations on Mozart. Fueled by his growing interest in artists like McCoy Tyner, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, Calderazzo visited friends at Berklee College of Music, growing close with then students Branford Marsalis, Wallace Roney, and Jeff “Tain” Watts. Calderazzo earned his big break after jamming with legendary saxophonist Michael Brecker at a clinic. Brecker was impressed by the young pianist and offered him the piano chair in his quintet after Kenny Kirkland left the group in 1987. Just over ten years later, Calderazzo joined the Branford Marsalis Quartet, replacing Kirkland a second time after the pianist’s untimely passing. Calderazzo recorded three albums for Blue Note Records in the early 1990s, “In The Door”, “To Know One”, and “The Traveler”, also releasing “Secrets” on Audioquest and “Joey Calderazzo” on ColumbiA Records before signing to Branford’s Marsalis Music record label in 2002 where he released “Haiku” and “Amanecer” in 2003 and 2007 respectively. Calderazzo’s co-leader credits include 2011’s duo with Marsalis, “Songs of Mirth and Melancholy”. Joey’s Sunnyside Records debut was 2013’s “Live”, a trio recording with Le Fleming and Donald Edwards. His diverse sideman recording credits include the likes of Arturo Sandoval, Bob Mitzner, Bob Belden, Vincent Herring, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, and Jerry Bergonzi — as well as Marsalis and Brecker. Calderazzo currently splits his time between teaching at North Carolina Central University, working with Marsalis and company, and pushing his own trio art to new heights.

The supporting Trio members are two of the finest jazz musicians from NYC - bassist Ben Wolfe and drummer Donald Edwards.

Bassist Ben Wolfe brought his own Trio to Harrisburg last year when he was a visiting artist at our 2017 Jazz Camp.  He has worked with jazz legends Junior Cook, Jimmy Cobb, Dakota Staton, and the Mel Lewis Orchestra as well as performing with Harry Connick Jr. in live concerts, on TV & radio. Ben was a member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet and has also recorded more than a dozen albums and soundtracks with artists including Wynton Marsalis, James Moody, Marcus Roberts, Branford Marsalis, Eric Reed, Benny Green, Carl Allen, and Diana Krall. While performing with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Ben accompanied jazz legends Joe Henderson, Doc Cheatham, Jon Hendricks, Harry "Sweets" Edison, and Billy Higgins, among others. Also a very talented composer, he was recently awarded a grant from Chamber Music America's New Works: Creation and Presentation Program, funded through the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Since his emergence in 1987, Donald Edwards has built a reputation all his own across the globe, playing with some of the finest musicians in jazz and other genres - Freddie Hubbard, Tom Harrell, Kurt Elling, Branford Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Henry Butler, Orrin Evans, Wynton Marsalis, The Mingus Big Band, Dynasty & Orchestra, Russell Malone, Dave Holland, Seamus Blake, Joe Locke, and Diane Schuur.  Donald became one of the most sought after drummers on the Baton Rouge/New Orleans music scene where he grew up playing music ranging from marching band, hip-hop and pop to r&b, jazz, funk and gospel music. As a result, Edwards is now called on to play many different genres of music and meets them with creative interpretation and virtuosity. Donald Edwards is among the vanguard of players on the New York scene today.

Thanks to all who attended and made it such a special day!!

The Central PA Friends of Jazz Fall Concert Series continues with Grammy nominated stride pianist and vocalist Judy Carmichael at the Susquehanna Art Museum on Sunday, October 14th.  Appearing with Judy was guitarist, Chris Flory.

“ . . . astounding, flawless, captivating.”     NY Times

For information on Judy Carmichael recordings and books visit www.judycarmichael. com, and on her radio show, www.jazzinspired.com  

We kick off this Fall Concert Series with our fifth year of hosting an evening at the Dauphin Co. Jazz & Wine Fest at Ft. Hunter Park on Friday, September 7th (music begins at 6:30pm).  We feature two groups - the great jazz guitarist Bobby Broom and his Organi-Sation featuring Ben Paterson (organ) & Kobie Watkins (drums), and an ensemble lead by rising star bassist Jonathan Michel called L 'Ouverture in a jazz tribute to the music and culture of Haiti. 

  BOBBY BROOM's ORGANI-SATION                        

  JONATHAN MICHEL & L'OUVERTURE      

Melanie Charles- voice, flute; Godwin Louis- Saxophone; Willerm Delisfort- piano; Harvel Nakundi- drums

We are grateful to the Dauphin County Commissioners for their generous grant that funded this event.

 Performing with Rodney are fellow Jazz Camp instructors Tim Warfield, Jr. (sax) and Paul Bratcher (piano) and Philadelphia drummer Byron Landham

This month we will present internationally acclaimed pianist Bruce Barth and his trio featuring bassist Dave Baron (Ron Carter's protege) and the amazing drummer Montez Coleman. 

The concert will begin at 3pm with a performance by the Mechanicsburg H.S. Jazz Band directed by Ben Goldsborough 

Central PA Friends of Jazz presents a legendary staple in the fabric of jazz, San Francisco singer and HighNote recording artist. Mary Stallings...a woman the New York Times says, “…perhaps the best jazz singer singing today…”. Mary will presented a tribute to jazz greats including Dizzy, Monk, Billy Eckstine and others with backing by the Mike LeDonne Trio. 2 50-minute sets with an intermission. 

The trio accompanying Mary features Mike LeDonne, Hammond B-3 organ, Ed Cherry, guitar, and Jason Brown, drums.

Jonathan Ragonese -  Chamber Jazz Children's Program - for children of all ages.

In a partnership with Messiah College's Orchestral Woodwind Department, Jonathan Ragonese presents Mother Goose and Other Tales a concert featuring improvising jazz quintet with eight woodwinds, harp, and narrator. Jim Colonna conducted the world premiere of Uncle Wiggly & Mr. Pop-Goes and Mother Goose Suite. 

Narrator Michael Greenwald, -Patrick Bartley on alto saxophone, Glenn Zaleski on piano, bassist Martin Nevin and drummer Mark Whitfield Jr. + The Messiah College Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. William Stowman 

We thank the Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Dept. and the Dauphin County Commissioners for allowing us to host another evening of real jazz at their annual Jazz & Wine Festival in the beautiful Ft. Hunter Park.

This year we presented two great bands with roots in the jazz scene of Philadelphia - world renowned jazz organist JOEY DeFRANCESCO + the PEOPLE (8:30pm) and jazz vocalist Paul Jost & the JOST PROJECT.(6:30pm) on the Main Stage.  Talented young area musicians TEENTOWN will be featured on the Corncrib Stage from 5:30-6:15 and from 8-8:30pm.

The Ben Wolfe Trio

Ben Wolfe - Bass             Victor Gould - Piano              Donald Edwards - Drums

This concert is underwritten by a generous grant from the Shearer Family Fund of TFEC on behalf of R. Scott Shearer

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY with the
JOHNNY O’NEAL TRIO

JAZZ DAY EVENT SCHEDULE:

Noon - 3PM Jazz Brunch in HMAC's Kitchen and Gallery Bar with the Paul Bratcher Trio.

3PM - Mechanicsburg H.S. Jazz Ensemble directed by Ben Goldsborough

3:45PM  The JOHNNY O'NEAL TRIO featuring Ben Reubens (bass) and Itay Morchi (dr)

 This concert is underwritten by a generous grant from the Shearer Family Fund of TFEC on the behalf of R. Scott Shearer

        BUSTER WILLIAMS 75TH BIRTHDAY TOUR!! 

Legendary bassist BUSTER WILLIAMS brings his All-Star Quartet to the Pollock Center - saxophonist STEVE WILSON, pianist GEORGE COLLIGAN, and drummer LENNY WHITE are featured in the group. Free parking at the Pollock Center

This concert is underwritten by a generous grant from the Shearer Family Fund of TFEC on the behalf of R. Scott Shearer

   Legendary guitarist Pat Martino will perform for our final Fall Concert Series event of 2016 - don't miss this musical giant!!  We return to the beautiful brewery and distillery, Wyndridge Farm, just outside of York, PA, for this performance with Pat’s exciting Trio.    Pat's Website

   Our second Fall Concert on October 9th features Harry Allen with vocalist Hilary Gardner. Joining Harry & Hilary are three great musicians from the NYC jazz scene - Rossano Sporteillo: piano; Joel Forbes: bass & Kevin Kanner: drums.

Our third year of hosting an evening at the Dauphin Co. Jazz & Wine Fest will feature the legendary jazz organist Dr. Lonnie Smith and a new rising star steel drum player - Leon Foster Thomas.  

The 3rd Spring Concert of 2016 will be held during our annual Jazz Camp at Messiah College. This year's Camp is 4 days long and will feature the Friday night concert as a bonus to the attending students while being open to the public.  

Steve Wilson & Stefon Harris will be teaching at our annual Jazz Camp this summer (June 15-18) and their group will be featured in the beautiful High Center at Messiah College for our third Spring Series concert.

This concert is underwritten by a generous grant from the Shearer Family Fund of TFEC on the behalf of R. Scott Shearer

STEVE TURRE QUARTET

Trombonist and Conch Shell Artist

3PM Cedar Cliff H. S. Jazz Band

4PM Special showing of the new Central PA Friends of Jazz video

4:30PM  Live from NYC - The Steve Turre Quartet

Steve is a veteran of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and a 30 year member of TV's "Saturday Night LIVE" band.  He will be accompanied by Rick Germanson (piano) Gerald Cannon (bass) and Orion Turre (drums)

This concert is underwritten by a generous grant from the Shearer Family Fund of TFEC on the behalf of R. Scott Shearer

Peter Bernstein Trio 

3PM       Mechanicsburg H.S. Jazz Band directed by Ben Goldsborough

4PM       Bernstein Trio featuring Mike LeDonne (Hammond B3 organ) and Byron Landham (drums)

This concert is underwritten by a generous grant from the Shearer Family Fund of TFEC on the behalf of R. Scott Shearer

Join the Central PA Friends of Jazz as we continue our 35th year of great jazz with a performance featuring the gifted pianist Farid Barron.  He will play a solo concert featuring Stride and Ragtime piano from Scott Joplin, Fats Waller, Art Tatum, as well as tunes from Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and many more.  Join us and hear the dynamic jazz piano stylings from this immensely talented artist.  WITF has a beautiful nine foot Steinway grand and will be a wonderful venue for this performance. Tickets available from InstantSeats (click Buy Now link above) call 717-540-1010 or at the door.

Terell's Quintet will feature music from his new CD - BrotherLee Love on Capri Records and feature the recording ensemble -  Tim Warfield (sax) Bruce Barth (piano) Kenny Washington (drums) and Peter Washington (bass).  

The opening act for the concert will be the Temple University Jazz Ensemble at 3pm.

We are happy to announce the headliner for the Friends of Jazz Night at the Dauphin County Jazz and Wine Festival - live from New York City - the SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA.  This group features Latin Jazz, Salsa and Afro Cuban music and will truly get you on your feet!!   Oscar Hernandez leads the two time Grammy winning 13 piece ensemble.

The front band for this event is Dred "Perky" Scott and the Steve Rudolph Trio featuring Pittsburgh jazz legends Dwayne Dolphin (bass) and Roger Humphries (drums) - to hear their recording click HERE!

CPFJ thanks the Dauphin County Commissioners and the Parks and Recreation Department for including CPFJ in this event and for providing major support....

Drummer Greg Bufford, pianist Michael Cochran and bassist Calvin Hill to perform in his quartet. 
This Spring Concert Series is underwritten in part by a generous grant from the Shearer Family Fund of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, R. Scott Shearer

CPFJ presents jazz saxophonist CHRIS BACAS and VOYAGE WEST!  

The stellar band features international artists: German vibraphonist/composer Stefan Bauer, bassist Dean Johnson, Brazilian drummer Rogerio Boccato, and Israeli vocalist Tammy Scheffer.

Join us as we kick off the 35th year of CPFJ with one of the most influential musicians in jazz today - bassist Christian McBride. He will bring his working Trio that features two formidable young musicians - pianist Christian Sands and drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr.

Finger Supersax Ensemble from the Inspire School for the Arts was the front band.

 This event is underwritten in part by a grant from Scott Shearer from the Shearer Family Fund of TFEC

The brilliant young vocalist Charenee Wade graced the stage at Leffler Chapel as we hosted our third Fall Series concert in association with Gretna Music. Alvester Garnett (dr) Oscar Perez (p and Matt Rybiki (b) accompanied.  The Kirk Reese Trio w/ Steve Meashey & Jeff Stabley opened the performance.  CPFJ thanks Gretna Music for their support if this event!!

Grant Stewart Quartet

The Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz presented New York based jazz saxophonist Grant Stewart and his Quartet at the Allen Theatre, 36 E Main St., Annville PA    The Band included  Philip Stewart drums, Peter Washington bass & guitarist Ilya Lushtak

Rene Marie headlines our Friday Friends of Jazz Night at the Dauphin County Jazz and Wine Festival

6:30 - Tim Warfield Organ Band featuring Pat Bianchi (O), Byron Landham(dr), Antoine Drye (trpt) & Daniel Sadownick (perc)

8:30 pm - Rene Marie and her trio - “I Wanna Be Evil“ with Love to Eartha Kitt Tour

Tim Wolfe Trio featuring Ryan Kauffman and Justin Morell

Camp Hill Vocal Jazz Ensemble

Cecile McLorin Salvant & the Aaron Diehl Trio

 Legendary vocalist/pianist Freddy Cole will grace the Ware Center stage as part of the 2013 CPFJ Fall Concert Series.  

On Sunday, November 10 at 3:00PM at The Ware Center, Lancaster, PA, CPFJ is proud to welcome The Freddy Cole Quartet, featuring Freddy Cole piano/vocals, Elias Bailey bass, Curtis Boyd drums, Randy Napoleon guitar. 

CPFJ returns to the Allen Theater for our second Fall Concert!

 Read all about it here - CentPAFriendsOfJazz-10-13-2013Concert_News.pdf

CHRISTIAN HOWES - Southern Exposure

Jazz violin sensation Christina Howes will grace the stage at the Allen Theater on October 13th.   Following the concert CPJ will host a Jam Session in MJ's Coffehouse @ the Allen Theatre (6-9pm)

3PM - Time Out (youth band from the Inspire Studio for the Arts)

4PM - Christian Howes - (plays two sets - concert over @ 6:30)

We are happy to be able to present the brilliant pianist Cyrus Chestnut in a tribute to jazz icon - Dave Brubeck.  The concert will be the first event in our 2013 Fall Concert Series and is underwritten by a generous grant from Tom & Donna Weik.

 TRIBUTE TO BRUBECK CONCERT SAT., September 28, 2013 - Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center - alto saxophonist Sharel Cassity  Bassist Eric Wheeler and drummer Evan Sherman round out this stellar group. Video segments of the original Brubeck Quartet from rare European performances will also be shown. 

CPFJ returns to the Harrisburg Community college's Rose Lehrman Auditorium for the third Spring Concert with rising star pianist Anthony Wonsey's "Spiritrio". 

Trumpeter Mike Vax leads a 19 piece band of Kenton Alumni as we relive the Big Band Era with these talented musicians and the original orchestrations from the Creative World of Stan Kenton

The Mechanicsburg H.S. Jazz Band opens the program at 3pm followed by two sets from the Kenton Band.

"Extraordinary is the word!" said jazz critic Don Heckman from the Los Angeles Times.

Jazz vocalist Jackie Ryan 

3PM  META4 - Lancaster area youth jazz quartet

4PM  Jackie Ryan & her Trio  -  Tom Lawton (piano) Lee Smith (bass)  Dan Monaghan (drums)