This weekend I did four great things, related to Jazz, that I
strongly suggest you do if you want to know more about Jazz in Harrisburg.
First, I went to the Hilton Saturday night to listen to the smooth Jazz sounds of Steve
Rudolph, one of the founding fathers of the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz (CPFJ)
organization.
Playing with Steve were Shelia Cooper, New York based alto saxophonist and vocalist, and
Andy Middleton, tenor and soprano saxophonist. The music was vibrant and alive. I can
recommend no better place to melt into the atmosphere and soak up the Jazz
Second, from Steve, I got a copy of Steve’s new CD, which has been playing nonstop in
our office, and is absolutely fantastic. It features 10 tracks ranging from Steve’s
melodic piano solos to harmonies with Dwayne Dolphin, Roger Humphries and Steve Varner. It
is a rare treasure to own a CD of such great quality, and be able to hear the artist
perform live in your backyard.
Third, I met with Dave Lazorcik, Executive Director of CPFJ, who took the time to answer
some questions about the organization, its origins, purpose, and future.
Founded in 1980 by Steve Rudolph, Jack Snavely, Russ Neff and Lee Swartz, the CPFJ is a
non-profit organization with three very focused goals: promote, preserve, and present Jazz
in Central Pennsylvania. Built from the desire to see Jazz grow in Harrisburg, and thus
ease the burden of having to travel to the "big" cities to see the Jazz greats,
The Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz brought Jazz from a predominantly black following
to a mainstream appeal that everyone in the area could enjoy. It is safe to say that CPFJ
bridged the gap and has been bringing top Jazz artists of all kinds to Central
Pennsylvania for 16 years.
Although CPFJ is well known for its promotion of concerts, Jazz walks, and Jazz festivals,
there is much more to the organization. I was excited to learn that CPFJ follows it’s
agenda of preserving Jazz by supporting High School Jazz programs in Central Pennsylvania.
The CPFJ Youth Program brings local and national artists to the schools. Clinics are held
where students can work with and learn from well known Jazz performers. The CPFJ also
gives a yearly Jazz Scholarship for students going to college for Jazz study.
I was also pleased to learn that the success of CPFJ is heavily based on the contributions
of it’s members. For 16 years they have orchestrated Jazz in Central Pennsylvania
with an all volunteer staff. Every event, concert and performance is managed by
volunteers.
It is also very apparent that CPFJ knows how to communicate with its members. The monthly
newsletter is packed with information ranging from listings of major events and concerts,
to youth committee notes, a monthly calendar of local Jazz nightspots, editorial regarding
current Jazz happenings, and even a membership application.
I mention the application because it is important to convey the fact that this is a
non-profit organization and it does desperately need support. Membership is as low as
$8.00 for students who will then receive half-priced concert admission and the monthly
newsletter, and $18.00 for a regular membership which offers discount concert, festival
and picnic admission as well as the monthly newsletter. There are increasing levels with
greater benefits.
Fourth, from Dave, I got a copy of the book: Discover The Central Pennsylvania Friends of
Jazz, by Paul E. Beers.
If you don’t have a pretty good idea of what the CPFJ does, this book is the
definitive outline. Remarkable in its detail and thoroughness, the author Paul Beers is a
45 year journalist-historian and former Patriot-News columnist and associate editor of 25
years.
In this book you will find a chronicle of the origins of the Central Pennsylvania Friends
of Jazz, as well as the history of Jazz as it pertains to the Harrisburg area, and a
detailed 8 year synopsis of the growth and contributions of CPFJ.
If you like Jazz, and you’re not already a member of CPFJ, it would serve you well to
join in the local support of Jazz. |
Jazz Joints
in Harrisburg
THE ATRIUM
561-2800
Sheraton Inn
Union Deposit Rd. off of I-83
Harrisburg, PA
Every Wednesday 6-9p.
THE BAR
233-6000
Harrisburg Hilton & Towers
1 North 2nd St.
Harrisburg, PA
Monday-Friday 5-8p,
Fridays & Saturdays 9p-12a.
HEAVEN
233-4681
706 N. 3rd St.
Harrisburg, PA
Thursday nights starting at 7p.
KOSTA’S
761-1118
451 N. 21st St.
Camp Hill, PA
Jazz Brunch each Sunday, artists vary.
MALLEY’S
652-0342
6085 Allentown Blvd.
Harrisburg, PA
Schedule varies, call for details.
PEP GRILL
236-6403
209 Walnut St.
Harrisburg, PA
Twice a month. Call for schedule.
ST. MORITZ
232-9949
714 N. 3rd St.
Harrisburg, PA
Every Saturday Night.
SCOTTS’ Bar & Grille
234-7599
212 Locust St.
Harrisburg, PA
Every Wednesday starting at 6:30p.
STAN LAWSON’S
652-9361
3500 Walnut St.
Harrisburg, PA
Schedule varies, call for details.
SUN RAY CAFÉ
236-5500
301 Seneca St.
Harrisburg, PA
Twice a month. Call for schedule.
ZEE’S CLUB
761-6692
Gullifty’s
Cedar Cliff Mall, Carlisle Rd.
New Cumberland, PA
Schedule varies, call for details.
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