Jazz great Lalama to play at YSU's Leonardi concert

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University alumnus Ralph Lalama will be the guest artist for the annual Leonardi Legacy Series Concert March 24 at The Youngstown Club, 201 E. Commerce St. A reception at 6:30 p.m. will precede the 8 p.m. concert.

Lalama grew up in West Aliquippa, Pa., graduated from YSU’s Dana School of Music in 1975, and was recognized for his talent by the legendary Thad Jones, who encouraged him to go to New York. He become a master of the tenor sax in the New York jazz scene, and is known worldwide.

The Leonardi Legacy Series Concert is named in honor of Tony Leonardi, founder of YSU’s jazz studies program. As a public school teacher by day and jazz musician by night, Leonardi became well known to Dana students, who asked if he would help start a jazz program. In 1969 Leonardi agreed and began teaching at YSU part-time, rehearsing the jazz band after the public school workday had ended. In a short period of time, he developed a nationally recognized program which lead to numerous awards for the program and high regard for the Dana School of Music.

The March 24 concert will mark the 40th anniversary of the jazz studies program at YSU.

Tickets are $35, which includes the reception; or $25 for just the concert ($10 for students). Call the box office at (330) 941-3105.