DALLAS, PA — Pennsylvania’s jazz story is coming to the Back Mountain on Friday, November 6 at 7 p.m. in the Lemmond Theater at Misericordia University. It’s performed by the Keystone Jazz Orchestra (KJO).

Directed by Maestro Marko Marcinko, the tour marks the role Pennsylvania played in the evolution of jazz in America. Originating in New Orleans, jazz traveled north along the Mississippi River with the artists who helped shape music history, a press release noted. “Jazz found a vibrant home in cities and towns throughout Pennsylvania, where the art form flourished. From early jazz and swing to bebop, post-bop and modern fusion, Pennsylvania has remained a vital part of jazz history.”

Many jazz artists have Pennsylvania connections, including John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Art Blakey, George Benson, Nina Simone, Henry Mancini, Benny Golson and more.

Dedicated to honoring the commonwealth’s finest jazz masters, KJO is an 18-piece ensemble composed of jazz musicians from across Pennsylvania. The orchestra features Nelson Hill, Chris Oatts, Chris Farr, Jason Kush and Rick Matt on saxophone; Eddie Severn, Andy Gravish, Ed Jakuboski and Marcell Bellinger on trumpet; Bill Smith, Kevin McManus, Stafford Hunter and Mark Lusk on trombone; Steve Rudolph on piano; Paul Rostock on bass; Marty Ashby on guitar; vocalist Amy Banks; and artistic director Marko Marcinko on drums.

Pennsylvania state representatives and state senators will join the orchestra on stage to narrate the program with projected images illustrating the story. Lead narrators are Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-146), and Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-121). The performance supports America250PA’s mission to educate, preserve and celebrate Pennsylvania history. 

The concert series is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Pennsylvania Creative Industries, PA Jazz Alliance Inc., Misericordia University, VAST Steel, Ruth’s Chris Steak House Mohegan PA, Dr. Harmar and Leslie Brereton, Visit Luzerne County and the Luzerne Foundation. 

The theater is located at 301 Lake St. 

Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $12 for students. For tickets and more information, visit www.Pajazzalliance.com/pa250.

To learn more about Keystone Jazz Orchestra and the PA Jazz Alliance, Inc., visit www.pajazzalliance.com.