Quartet plays classic jazz
Pine Grove Hall showcases musicians
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In the mood for some great jazz? Then check out Jay T. Vonada Quartet and other musicians at Pine Grove Hall in Pine Grove Mills, Centre County.
Vonada is a jazz trombonist who is "passionate about promoting this American artform." He'll be joined by "three of the area's premier jazz musicians" Pine Grove Hall regulars Clay Wulbrecht (keyboards), Bob Hart (guitar/bass), and Kevin Lowe (drums) on July 31 at Pine Grove Hall, according to owner Liz Grove.
"Clay, Bob and Kevin are three of the area's premier jazz musicians," Grove stated in an email. "As such, they are the supporting musicians backing up jazz artists such as Rick Hirsch, Catherine Dupuis, and Josh Davis who have regular gigs at Pine Grove Hall. They also are members of area bands that feature Latin, blues and bluegrass music such as La Fiesta Band, Ady's Latin Band, Natascha & the Spy Boys and Tyne & the Fastlyne, all of whom play at Pine Grove Hall."
Grove opened the combination performance venue and restaurant last August and has transformed it into a dining and music destination with two performance spaces. Tickets are required to reserve a seat ($12 for the quartet's show, for example.). Dinner and bar service available.
"We are truly lucky to have such high caliber musicians playing in many different genres at Pine Grove Hall," she said.
The quartet will be playing Vonada's original compositions and jazz standards at the hall.
Vonada, who has been playing full time since 2010 has recorded seven CDs. He attended Mansfield University, studying jazz with Dr. Michael Galloway and trombone with Steve McEuen.
He started playing trombone at age 12 -- an instrument his father played in an Aaronsburg Legion band.
Vonada plays jazz at a variety of venues who need live music. He plays solo and with other musicians in various combinations at nursing homes, assisted living communities, wineries and breweries and private events such as weddings.
"Music is my full time job. I tell people that my 'day job' is doing all the other non-music things such as getting gigs, sending out contracts, working on my website, any other work that needs to be done to keep me playing music. Then finding time to practice my instrument which is an everyday process."
He particularly enjoys playing at senior communities. (It's) pure joy. To see what music does to help their state of mind is a warm and loving feeling."
Staff Writer Patt Keith is at 814-949-7030.
If you go
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 24 and 1 to 4 p.m.
July 26, Jazz Duo, RE Farm Cafe,
1000 South Fillmore Road, State College
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 29, Solo,
Barrel 135, 135 West Third Street,
Williamsport
7 to 9 p.m. July 31, Jazz Quartet,
Pine Grove Hall, 101 East Pine Grove Road, Pine Grove Mills
7 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 12,
Harrisburg Jazz Collective,
West Shore Theatre,
317 Bridge Street, New Cumberland
7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 14, Williamsport City Jazz Quintet, The Stone House,
343 PIne Street, Williamsport
For other upcoming shows, visit www.jayvonada.net and www.pinegrovehall.com