The first lady of jazz Marian McPartland performs at ASU’s “Keys to the Future” gala fundraiser

TEMPE, Ariz. – Legendary jazz pianist and beloved host of Piano Jazz on National Public Radio, Marian McPartland, will perform at the ASU Herberger College of Fine Arts “Keys to the Future” gala fundraiser on March 11. Well-known KJZZ radio host Blaise Lantana will join McPartland on stage as the emcee for the evening’s festivities.

Proceeds of the event benefit the piano program in the nationally ranked ASU Herberger College School of Music. Now in its seventh year, “Keys to the Future” has charmed Valley music enthusiasts with an evening of great talent, wonderful ambience and the satisfaction of helping support the music of tomorrow.

“Keys to the Future” will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix and includes an evening of elegant dining and performance in a supper club atmosphere. Tickets are $250 and $500 per person. The cocktails begin at 6:30 p.m. For reservations, please call 480-965-8562.

As the host of National Public Radio’s Piano Jazz, the longest-running jazz program in the history of network radio, McPartland has played more duets with other pianists than any one else in the history of jazz. She is a master at everything from sentimental, introspective pieces to unabashedly fun and exuberant jazz jams. McPartland has been called a musical chameleon because of her uncanny ability to adapt to any musical situation or play with any guest.

Joining McPartland for keyboard duets will be two veterans of the local jazz scene, Earle Weatherwax and Bob Ravenscroft, plus Mike Kocour, newly named director of jazz studies in the ASU Herberger College School of Music.

“The School of Music’s internationally acclaimed faculty, students and facilities benefit greatly from ‘Keys to the Future.’ The School has built a remarkable reputation, and this fundraiser ensures that everyone, locally, nationally and internationally, will continue to enjoy this musical talent for many years to come,” said J. Robert Wills, Dean of the Herberger College of Fine Arts.

The School of Music in the Herberger College of Fine Arts at Arizona State University is ranked 19th in the country and eighth among public institutions by U.S.News & World Report. More than 100 music faculty artists and scholars work with approximately 800 music majors each year in research, performance and scholarly activities. It presents approximately 700 concerts and recitals each season. To learn more about the School of Music, visit http://music.asu.edu.

Media Contact:
Mica Matsoff
(480) 965-0478
Mica.Matsoff@asu.edu