13 Young Jazz Musicians Featured in NEXT GENERATION JAZZ at the Ware Center Today

Last year at the Ware Center's Season Closer, one segment allowed young jazz musicians to take stage in an improv setting to play with a trio of professionals. Therein, the idea was born. Keith Mohler, who coordinates the Jazz-in-the-Sky series for the Ware Center, decided there was simply too much young talent to be ignored.

"I was astounded at how professional this young talent was. I felt I needed to do something to encourage these unbelievably young musicians to keep at it and to prove to the world, there still is interest in jazz - even among the young," Mohler said. So, he decided to give them a platform to showcase their talents.

Today, March 17th, 2013, at 5PM, the Ware Center/ Millersville University presents "NEXT GENERATION JAZZ" as a part of the Jazz in the Sky series. This event presents amazing young artists in the jazz world. Supporting the young talent is the professional jazz trio of Kirk Reese (piano), Keith Mohler (bass), and Larry Marshall (drums).

Kirk Reese is an active player for over 30 years. He has opened for acts such as Joe Morello (Dave Brubeck), Bob Mintzer (Yellow Jackets), Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, and BB King. Kirk is also an active writer and performer for the Reese Project, releasing ten albums for the group.

Larry Marshall is a prolific drummer, recording on over 50 CD's. Larry has performed on two continents. After pursuing a career playing jazz full-time in Japan for four years, he has returned to the United States.

Keith Mohler has continued the campaign to keep jazz music alive, by creating new venues in the local scene, and playing with various groups including the Reese Project and the Ken Gehret Jazz Trio.

The showcase event features feature rising talents ranging from high school to college. The list of performers at press time includes:

· Seth Ebersole-saxophone

· Kayla Geyer-piano & vocal

· John Gingrich-bass

· Fred Griggs-drums

· Ted Groth-guitar

· Andrew Loose-trumpet

· Colin Mekeel-piano

· Andy Mohler-saxophone

· Nicole Roberts-vocal

· Andrew Saurs-piano

· Leanna Simmons-vocal

· St. Clair Simmons-trombone

· Austin Wagner-drums

The performance is followed by a family-friendly reception with the guest artists.

TICKET INFO: "NEXT GENERATION JAZZ" is open to the public. Tickets cost $15 for adults; $50 for a table of four and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Ticket Office at 717-872-3811 or 717-871-2308. Online, at www.millersville.edu/MUARTS. Or in person at The Ware Center (42 N. Prince St., Lancaster), or at the Student Memorial Center Ticket Office (Room 103, 21 South George Street, Millersville), Ticket Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tickets - if still available - may also be purchased on-site one hour prior to the performance. Advance reservations are STRONGLY advised.

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