Philadelphia, PA: The youngest in the first family of jazz, Jason Marsalis boasts a sound performed with “commendably ardent swing" (Jazz Times). The daughter of musical icon Nina Simone, Broadway star Simone's vocal stylings have made it to the top of Billboard and iTunes jazz charts. The Annenberg Center presents both performers in one night of stellar music as a part of its Jazz series. The performance will take place on March 17, 2012 at 8 PM. Tickets are $20-$46 (prices are subject to change). For tickets or for more information, please visit AnnenbergCenter.org or call 215.898.3900. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Annenberg Center Box Office.
Prodigious drummer and record producer and continually in-demand for his work with the Ellis Marsalis Trio and the Marcus Roberts Trio, Jason Marsalis is now receiving critical acclaim for his unique sound on the vibraphones. His dynamo vibes quartet perform standards and new gems that connect with the audience in a way that is “deeply satisfying" (Chicago Tribune). A mainstay on the New Orleans scene, Jason Marsalis has been a bandleader from the vibraphone chair since 2000. He has performed at Snug Harbor, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, The Jazz Playhouse and the Satchmo Summerfest. His unique artistry, drawing from a wide range of influences, is “steeped in both modern and New Orleans rhythmic styles." Marsalis is the son of pianist and music educator Ellis Marsalis and the youngest sibling of Wynton, Branford and Delfeayo. Together, the brothers and Ellis comprise New Orleans's venerable first family of jazz and between them, hold over 10 Grammy awards.
After Jason Marsalis' performance, audiences will experience Simone, a multi-talented and dynamic vocal artist who is very much her mother's daughter. With an impressive resume including starring roles in the Broadway musicals Rent and Aida, her innate skill for lyrical interpretation gives her a soul-deep understanding of music as a means of healing, empowerment and celebration. Her 2008 release, Simone on Simone, climbed to Top 5 on the iTunes Jazz Vocalist chart. Simone's ability to transcend genres marries with her rich vocal range and strong background in live performance to give her artistic chops that entertain any audience. The songstress will be performing a mix of classics and numbers from her soon-to-be-released album.
INSIGHTS
Pre-show talk with Simone, 7 PM
Come early for a pre-show talk with Simone hosted by Salamishah Tillet, Ph.D., Associate Professor, English and Africana Studies at Penn.
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=94644
