Jazz legend comes to Tusten stage

NARROWSBURG, NY — Jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli will be featured in the concert “Masters of Jazz Guitar” at the Tusten Theatre on Saturday, October 24.

The guitarist and banjo player, known for his extraordinary skill as a rhythm player, has spent six decades on the jazz scene. Born in 1926 in Paterson, NJ, he began his professional career at 17 playing in the Vaughn Monroe dance band. In 1952 he joined NBC as a staff musician playing for many years in the Doc Severinsen Band on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.” He also toured and recorded with Benny Goodman and performed at both the Reagan and Clinton White Houses.

Pizzarelli has recorded with nearly every jazz artist of note, including Duke Ellington and Sarah Vaughan. He’s also played rhythm guitar on scores for movies including Woody Allen’s “Sweet and Lowdown.” He will be joined by fellow guitarists Frank Vignola and Ed Laub. Vignola has developed a unique sound on everything from gypsy jazz and commercial pop-jazz to hard bop and swing. Laub started playing guitar in the early ‘50s at age 12, and by his mid-teens was studying with Pizzarelli.

Tickets cost $20 (DVAA members receive $2 discount on advance sales). Tusten Theatre is located at 210 Bridge Street. For more information visit ArtsAllianceSite.org. To purchase tickets call 845/252-7272.