Jump, Jive an’ Jazz at Scranton Cultural Center becomes tribute to late Patrick Marcinko Jr. on Sept. 25
From a press release:
Jump, Jive an’ Jazz, which was originally intended to be an intimate evening of world-class jazz featuring the region’s finest jazz musicians, has now somewhat taken on a life of its own. As fate would have it, this event has become a vehicle to celebrate the music and influence of a great musician, teacher, and friend, Maestro Patrick J. Marcinko Jr.
The lineup includes area greats such as Nancy and Spencer Reed, the Alan Gaumer Quartet, the Von Storch Quartet, the JazzArt Quartet, and the Upper Valley Winds Orchestra, which over the years had been under the direction of the late Patrick J. Marcinko Jr. His unexpected passing left the question as to whether or not this show would take place.
On the morning of Marcinko’s untimely death, Patrick J. Marcinko III confirmed with the Scranton Cultural Center staff, “The show will still go on as planned. My father would want it that way!” This marks an historic event. Jump, Jive an’ Jazz will be a night to remember and pay tribute to a man who has impacted and inspired the local community through his music.
On Sunday, Sept. 25, the SCC’s Grand Ballroom will be transformed into what would resemble an “old school’ midtown jazz club one might expect to see in New York City. This event will showcase some the region’s best jazz musicians on the SCC’s historic main stage.
Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the music will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available in person at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC (420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton) or by calling 570-344-1111. Proceeds will benefit the ongoing efforts and mission of the Scranton Cultural Center.
The Von Storch Project, started by Joe Cole and Barbara Cohen, has been part of the local music scene since 2010. Named for the street they live on, the group began as a duo but soon evolved to a trio, adding the horn virtuosity of Julian Sparacino. They later evolved into a quartet with the addition of Bob Velez, master of the clave and Latin percussion.
No stranger to Northeastern Pennsylvania, Alan Gaumer has been bringing his outstanding musicianship to Scranton for years, and he does so yet again. An outstanding ensemble, the quartet features trumpeter Alan Gaumer, pianist David Leonhard, bassist Connor Koch, and drummer Zach Martin.
The Jazz-Art Quartet features, most prominently, the sound of the violin. Brought together by Pat Marcinko III, the idea for the group was influenced by violin luminaries Stephan Grapelli, JonLuc Ponty, and Michael Uberniak. Sometimes referred to as electric jazz or even fusion, this group provides great diversity to the sound palette. Violinist Mark Woodyatt, an internationally recognized multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator, is said to have been “born with perfect pitch.” Woodyatt is the 2014 recipient of the F. Lammot Belin Award for Artistic Excellence and has achieved international notoriety; his concerts are regularly televised in NEPA.
Nancy Reed and Spencer Reed’s unique brand of vocal and instrumental styling has been enjoyed by audiences for over 30 years. Their forte is their vocal blend, with tight yet natural phrasing and unusual harmony. Both grew up in New York City and started their musical collaboration as teenagers in the Bronx. They were influenced by the classic performances of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Carmen McRae, and Jackie and Roy.
A group like no other, the Upper Valley Winds is five trumpets, five trombones, five saxophones, piano, bass, drums, and percussion. The Upper Valley Winds Big Band is comprised of a dedicated ensemble of the finest musicians performing modern big band arrangements. Audiences can thrill to the sounds of Johnny Richards, Bill Holman, Willie Maiden, Bob Curnow, Hank Levy, Stan Kenton, and more. Sunday’s performance will be under the direction of Patrick Marcinko III, in honor of his father.
