Dana School of Music YSU jazz greats in concert at Ford
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
Five successful alumni of the jazz program at Youngstown State University’s Dana School of Music will team up for a special event at Ford Family Recital Hall at 2 p.m. on Sept. 16.
Sean Jones (trumpet), Ralph Lalama (saxophone), James Weidman (piano), Phil Palombi (bass) and Darryl Pellegrini (drums) will return to their alma mater to perform a benefit concert for the Tony Leonardi Scholarship Fund. All five musicians have toured the world as band leaders and also as sidemen for great artists, including Thad Jones, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Joe Lovano and Chuch Mangione.
Leonardi was the architect of the Dana jazz program, which helped develop their talents and launch their careers.
The concert will feature not only original compositions but also insights about the creative process in modern jazz. Tickets start at $25 ($10 for students) at youngstownsymphony.com, by phone at 330-744-0264, and at the DeYor box office, 260 W. Federal St.
The artists will also offer a free masterclass (open to the public) Sept. 15 in YSU’s Bliss Hall, room 2222 at 9 a.m.