Jazz Concert to Benefit the Swissvale Community Food Pantry Set for May 26

Three Pittsburgh area jazz groups will use their talents to raise funds for the Swissvale Community Food Pantry in a concert Saturday, May 26, at 7 p.m. at the in Swissvale.

Serving residents of Swissvale and Rankin, the Food Pantry is a branch of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Distributions are made the first and third Thursday of each month from the Swissvale church.

Three jazz ensembles will perform—the Kevin Howard Band featuring Curtis Johnson on saxophone; jazz guitarist John Marcinizyn and his quartet; and the church’s trio, the Living Spirit Praise Band.

“The evening will feature some of the best jazz talent Pittsburgh has to offer,” said Jerry Schneider, concert organizer and the church’s music director.  “Anyone who attends this important event will hear outstanding jazz in an intimate setting and benefit the community as well.”

Keyboardist Howard and his band specialize in contemporary and smooth jazz. His sound includes a mixture of R&B, fusion, traditional jazz, rock and pop. His group has headlined events throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Widely recognize for his jazz and R&B saxophone artistry, Johnson will join Howard’s band for the evening. A retired West Virginia University music associate professor, he is a member of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra and has performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony. He has backed a variety of popular performers in recording sessions, and his work can be found on more than 80 CDs.

Marcinizyn, who teachers guitar at Carnegie Mellon University, brings versatility to the acoustic and electric guitar that allows him to perform a broad range of music, including jazz, rock, classical and blues.  His original compositions have received numerous performances, and his “Sonata for Guitar and Marimba” received critical acclaim following its premier at the Guitar Foundation of America International Festival and Competition in Buffalo. 

For the May 26 concert, Marcinizyn’s quartet will include keyboard, bass and drums.

Led by Schneider, the Living Spirit Praise Band has performed jazz arrangements of secular and religious music at many community events in the Swissvale area. 

In addition to Schneider on keyboard, the trio includes two Woodland Hills High School juniors, Davontay Rue on drums and David Morgan on bass.

Admission to the concern is free, but a donation of $10 or more per person is suggested. In addition, attendees are asked to bring non-perishable donations for the Food Pantry.

Additional information is available at 412-351-1802 or www.swissvaleumc.org.