PA250 “OUR JAZZ STORY”

Presented by: The PA Jazz Alliance, Inc., in partnership with Pennsylvania Creative Industries and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Performed by: The Keystone Jazz Orchestra • Directed by: Maestro Marko Marcinko

In celebration of America250PA, Pennsylvania Creative Industries has awarded the PA Jazz Alliance, Inc. (PAJA), a National Endowment for the Arts grant, to present PA250 “Our Jazz Story.” This exciting program honors Pennsylvania’s rich musical heritage while highlighting jazz as one of America’s original and greatest cultural contributions.

Pennsylvania’s Role in Jazz History:

Born in New Orleans, jazz traveled north along the Mississippi River and found a vibrant home in Pennsylvania’s cities and towns. Pennsylvania has played a major role in the story of jazz—hosting the nation’s first recognized jazz festival, The Cavalcade of Dixieland Jazz 1951, and producing legendary jazz artists such as: John Coltrane * Art Blakey * Billie Holiday * Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey * George Benson * Nina Simone * Henry Mancini and Many More!

From early jazz and Swing to Bebop, Post-Bop, and modern fusion, Pennsylvania has remained a powerful force in jazz history.

Experience PA250 “Our Jazz Story” brought to life by the acclaimed Keystone Jazz Orchestra, a 20-piece all star ensemble performing the music of Pennsylvania’s greatest jazz masters and comprised of some of PA’s greatest jazz musicians.

In support of America250PA’s mission to “educate, preserve, and celebrate Pennsylvania’s history across all 67 counties, this five-city tour will engage and enhance audiences through: Live jazz performances * Historical narration *Projected images and storytelling * Recognition of Jazz’s impact on Pennsylvania, America, and the World.  Narration will feature partnerships with Pennsylvania State Senators and Representatives.

The Keystone Jazz Orchestra Members:

Concert Dates:

Nov 1- Mercyhurst Univ, Erie PA,

Nov 5 - Lower Moreland HS, Huntingdon Valley, PA,

Nov 6 - Misericordia Univ, Dallas, PA

Nov 9 - Hershey High School, Hershey PA,

Nov 17 - MCG Jazz, Pittsburgh, PA