Jazz Musicians to Honor Keith Mohler at Ware Center, 7/17

On Thursday, July 17th jazz musicians and aficionados will gather to honor local jazz legend Keith Mohler, with a benefit concert. Keith Mohler, bass player, has organized the successful Jazz-in-the-Sky series for the Ware Center | Millersville University. Some of the musicians who have agreed to perform for this benefit include The Carmitchell Sisters, Rue de la Pompe, Chris Heslop & the Hessie's Hot Jazz, Steve Meashey, Steve Rudolph, Ronnie Waters and Robin Work. They will perform at the Ware Center, 42 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA, Thursday, July 17 at 7:30 PM.

The Carmitchell Sisters are well-known for their rapport with their audience. They have been a strong presence in the Central Pennsylvania music scene, as well as on a national level. Equally comfortable in intimate house concerts or concert halls, they have a way of involving their audience in every aspect of the live performance. Annie Carmitchell, along with Robin Work pulled together the list of performers.

Rue de la Pompe presents an all-acoustic sound with a blend of vintage swing, contemporary American popular song, Latin rhythm, hot jazz, French Musette and the elegant romanticism of 1930's European string bands commonly referred to as Hot Club Swing. (pictured to the right)

Chris Heslop & the Hessie's Hot Jazz perpetuates early jazz traditions. Strong melodies coupled with complex rhythms and the freedom of improvisation combine to create infectious jubilance, appealing to young and old. (pictured to the left)

Steve Meashey, bass; Steve Rudolph, pianist; Ronnie Waters, band leader; and Robin Work, vocalist will perform together in a special, impromptu pick up jazz quartet.

Young pianist Colin Mekeell and friends will play during the reception, which follows the concert. Mekeel, is an up and coming star in the jazz world, who was encouraged to pursue his musical career by Mohler.

"So many musicians stepped up and volunteered to help, our problem was limiting who got to play," Work said. "It was beautiful to see the outpouring of support and camaraderie."

The benefit starts at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 17th at the Ware Center, 42 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA and will be followed by a reception for attendees and performers alike and a chance to say hello to Keith Mohler. Mohler will be attending, but not performing. Mayor Richard Gray will be opening the evening with remarks about Keith and his impact on the local jazz scene.

All tickets are $25 and include the post-show reception. Seating is limited and assigned. To reserve your ticket, call 717.872.3811 or 717.871.2308. On the web at artsmu.com. Or in person at the Ware Center Box Office or the SMC Building on the MU Campus. Box office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to Mohler. Musicians and other performers are donating their time and talent. The costs for the production and the reception are being underwritten by Millersville University.

Discount parking vouchers for the Prince Street Garage, located at the corner of North Prince and West Orange Streets, are available upon check-in at the Front Desk of the Ware Center, 42 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA.

For more information, please contact Laura Kendall at Laura.kendall@millersville.edu or 717-872-3265.

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