Month: June 2013

Things are getting ready for the grand day on July 13, 2013. We are expecting a record crowd. All preparations are made – but, as Robert Burns said “the best laid plans of mice and men often so astray”.

Our late afternoon featured guest performer, Joe Negri, has health issues. He, regretfully, had to cancel his appearance with us. His rhythm group remains the same with Max, Tom and Tony. At Joe’s suggestion, the group will be fronted by a dear friend and extraordinary musician and arranger, Mike Tomaro. Mike is the head of Jazz Studies at Duquesne University. He had played with the greatest names in jazz and has arranged for Grammy Award winners. Mike joins the pantheon of great arrangers from Pittsburgh such as John Wilson, Billy Strayhorn, Billy May, and Sam Nestico. While many of us were looking forward to seeing and hearing “Handy Man Negri” – believe me, there is no dropping off of musical talent or skill. Mike and the group will dazzle you with their music and virtuosity.

One other change – Lenny Rogers, renowned Pittsburgh jazz drummer, will be performing with Frank Cunimondo. Patty Skala will also provide vocals with that group.

Jazz in the Meadow seems to grow with each event and the talent remains top caliber.

We hope you can join us in the Laurel Highlands for the day of “friendship and jazz” – July 13.

Hi friends and jazz lovers – the time is rapidly approaching for the Bartlett-Benedum get-together on July 13, 2013. We honor invitees whom we admire, respect, and love.

We start the day at 1:00 p.m. with a welcome and a blessing. Then, the dean of jazz piano in Pittsburgh, Frank Cunimondo and his trio kick off the afternoon with great selections from his 20 records and CDs. Frank is a legend in jazz along with his many Westinghouse High School’s Wall of Fame honorees who include such artists as Ahmad Jamal, Dakota Staton, and many more. Frank played the “Tonight Show” and had the “best Jazz CD” in Paris, France just a couple of years ago. It is great to have Frank back along with his trio – Pat Crossley and our “house” drummer, Tom Wendt.

We welcome back the Rockwood Area High School and Alumni Jazz Band. They were a big hit at the last Jazz in the Meadow. Donations collected at that event in the sum of $500. were donated to the Music Department at Rockwood Area High School. We hope to continue this way of encouraging jazz in the high school age group.

And, what a finale we have arranged this year. The Joe Negri Quartet tops off the day at 5:30 p.m. Joe’s resume reads like the history of jazz in Pittsburgh – a radio and television star who often performs with the Pittsburgh Symphony, records with all of the great jazz artists, and is Michael Feinstein’s favorite guitar player. World wide, Joe is known as “Handyman Negri” on the Fred Roger’s Neighborhood. Joe is the epitome of a great jazz musician and great guy in life. Joe will be accompanied by the talented Max Leake on piano, Tony Depolis on bass, and the inimitable Tom Wendt on drums.

So, arrive early. Enjoy hardy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and some of the best company with whom to spend a summer afternoon.

Official invitations will be arriving soon by land mail with RSVP status, directions to our meadow, etc.

P.S. Those wishing to spend an overnight in the Laurel Highlands should make early reservations at the local B and B’s and/or Seven Spring. Reservations are going quickly.