The weekend kicks off with JT Blues. John "JT" Thompson is a blues pianist who will be doing his "blues, boogie and other popular songs" up right at the Governor's Pub in downtown Bellefonte beginning at 6:30pm. JT is a popular fixture at many local clubs and restaurants. Don't miss this local favorite!
The Phil Haynes Trio will begin their act at the Palmer Museum in State College tonight at 7:30pm. Phil Haynes is a jazz percussionist and composer with much experience and critical acclaim. Tickets were free... and I say "were" because they are gone. There is, however, a waiting list... call Sue Bryant at (814) 863-6635, or email suebryant@psu.edu. If you have tickets, I'd love to hear what you think!
Friday and Saturday are both packed full of entertainment. Friday kicks off with Catherine Dupuis with Russ Kassoff performing at Centre Crest in Bellefonte beginning at 2pm. Ms. Dupuis is not only the President of the board of JazzPA, but a renowned vocalist and actress, having worked regionally and off Broadway for many years. While her dedication to JazzPA is a stand-out as she returns to her roots of Centre County for this event, her singing is phenomenal. Do not miss her performance with jazz pianist Russ Kassoff, as this is truly one of the highlights of the weekend!
The State High Jazzers will be performing at Cool Beans in Bellefonte on Saturday at 4pm.
Zeropoint Big Band is jazz in the best of the big band styles (in my opinion). Full horns, trippin' percussion, something you can dance to or sit back and sip your martini to. They'll be playing Friday at the Match Factory in Bellefonte beginning at 6pm on Friday. There is a $5 cover charge at the door, which is well worth it, given what I've heard of them!
Carl Ector and Chip Lovett will sooth your soul at the Governor's Pub Friday night beginning at 7:30pm. This violin/piano duo will allow to relax after a long day, visit with your friends and STILL hear great music!
If you want something a little more upbeat to end your evening, head over to the Gamble Mill Friday at 8pm to catch the Arthur Goldstein Quartet with Steve Bowman. Both Mr. Goldstein and Mr. Bowman are well-known jazz staples in the area. Their popular jazz styles command much attention, which is why making reservations at the Gamble Mill is very highly recommended. Call (814) 355-7764 to be sure you get seat!
If you're in State College on Friday night, don't forget to check out The Jazz Connection at Zola beginning at 9pm!
Saturday starts with a chance to hear music in the making! The Friends Band will be rehearsing at the Main Stage in Bellefonte beginning at 9:30am. This would be a great way to introduce children to music!
While you have your children out Saturday morning, head over to the Children's Garden in Bellefonte to hear the Children's Jazz Storytime performed by Arthur Goldstein and Rick Hirsch. The story begins at 11am and I would suggest getting there a little early to make sure your little ones are settled in and ready to be entertained! Don't let the "Children's" part scare you -- children of ALL ages should hear this!
A personal favorite of mine begins at 11:30am at the Gazebo in Bellefonte - The Tarnished Six! I've heard them many times and they are always fun and ready to entertain! Be ready to applaud. They like that.
The Bellefonte Area High School Jazz Band will begin at 12:30pm on the Main Stage in Bellefonte. Yes - I have a soft spot in my heart for these kids, as this is my alma mater. Now, as an adult, I'm amazed at the incredible amount of talent and musicianship these kids have! Don't miss ANY of the school bands - you'll be VERY pleasantly surprised!
Russ Kassoff and Catherine Dupuis perform again, this time with the Russ Kassoff Trio and the Friends Band. They will be performing on the Main Stage at the Train State in Bellefonte beginning Saturday at 1pm. If you don't catch Catherine and Russ at Centre Crest earlier in the day, be sure to catch them here the Friends Band! Personally, I love it to hear musicians of this caliber come together to jam and this should do it up right!
THE highlight of the weekend is a Master Class with renowned tenor saxophonist Houston Person! He takes soul jazz to a whole new level and he's willing to share his knowledge with you on Saturday at the Gazebo beginning 2pm. Whether you are a saxophonist, musician, fan or hack, this is a huge don't-miss event!
The Rick Hirsch 5 will entertain Talleyrand Park from the Gazebo beginning at 3:30pm on Saturday. Rick Hirsch is a local saxophonist, composer, arranger... many other things related to his talent and love of jazz.
Two more local high school jazz bands take the Main Stage beginning at 4:30pm. The first is Penns Valley Area HS Jazz Band, followed by the State College Area High School Jazz Band. As I mentioned before, take a listen to the up-and-coming talent in Centre County. Take your young children to see them (that's how I got interested) and enjoy their youth, vitality and energy!
Another absolutely don't-miss event is Houston Preston performing with the Russ Kassoff Trio! Again - I love it when musicians get-together and jam and this one should take the cake! The performance begins at 7:30pm at the Match Factory in Bellefonte. Tickets are required ($15) and can be purchased at Websters in State College or at Cool Beans in Bellefonte. This should rock the house!!
On Saturday at 10pm you have a choice of music and venues. The Burlingame Group will be at the Gamble Mill and Carl Ector and Chip Lovett return to the Governor's Pub. This may be a difficult decision, but they're close to each other... do both!!
On Sunday, the Jay Vonada Group will be performing at the Deli in State College beginning at noon. This cool, jazzy trombone-based trio is perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon sipping coffee at the local cafe. Need a good first date?? I think this may be it! Ever since I started listening to my mom's JJ Johnson albums, I have loved to hear a good trombone jazz ensemble. This one fits the bill.
Just as John "JT" Thompson kicked off the weekend, he also wraps it up with a piano performance at the Gazebo on Sunday evening beginning at 7pm (also as part of the Summer Sounds From The Gazebo concert series in Bellefonte).
Please send us your comments regarding each of the acts. I would love to hear feedback. There is a LOT of talent in Centre County and to have just a small piece of it packed into a fabulous weekend like this is a rare treat! Listen, enjoy and let me know what you think!
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