Jazz returns to The Westmoreland with 2 upcoming concerts
The long tradition of jazz music at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art will continue this fall with two concerts by audience-favorite musicians.
Kevin M. McManus and The Bone Forum will open the series Sept. 15 in the Greensburg museum, with pianist Eric Barchiesi next up on Oct. 20. Both concerts begin at 7 p.m.
“We are so happy to be able to bring back the jazz series … after having to cancel the concerts planned for 2020 due to covid,” said Claire Ertl, the museum’s director of marketing and public relations. “It will be great to have attendees experience live music once again in our community room space.”
Founded in 2003 by McManus, The Bone Forum features a revolving array of the area’s top trombonists, along with a rhythm section.
In naming the group, he said, he incorporated slang for the featured instrument and “I thought back to the Roman Forum, where everyone could come and sit and have a voice.”
In addition to straight jazz, the group’s repertoire includes jazz-influenced rock, funk and Latin sounds.
McManus is an elementary general music teacher in the Plum Borough School District and professor of trombone at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Seton Hill University and Westminster College. He has performed on Broadway and in national tours of Broadway shows.
“The Westmoreland Museum is a treasure to our community. Along with presenting a wide array of visual art, the Westmoreland also supports the performing arts,” he said. “We are extremely excited and looking forward to performing.”
Barchiesi is an attorney and leader of the Eric Barchiesi Trio, also known as EBT Jazz. He performs with area big bands and jazz combos and is founder and keyboardist for Powerplay, an eight-piece local event band.
Attendees at both concerts are invited to come early to explore the galleries and get a bite to eat from Café Marchand, both of which will stay open until 7 p.m.
A cash bar will be available on the museum terrace before the concert and at intermission, weather permitting.
Cost per concert is $15, or $12 for museum members.
Advance registration is recommended at 888-718-4253 or thewestmoreland.org.
Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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