This Saturday features the jazz musicianship of the Vernon Hairston Trio with Mary McClendon at the Topiary Park in downtown Columbus. Vernon Hairston has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Composition from the Ohio State University where he studied with the late great Hank Marr and also holds a Bachelor of Music Education in Vocal Pedagogy from OSU. Vernon has produced recording projects and recorded and toured with such artists as Grammy Award Winner The New King James Version, Keith Dobbins and Resurrection, Chris Byrd, The Golden Gospel Singers, a European based gospel group, Keith Harrison of The Time, and Dove Award nominee Kevin Turner. This should be a special treat for children and parents this Saturday at Noon.
Columbus native Mary McClendon has been a regular on the central Ohio jazz scene since the late 1970s. Her smooth vocals and scat singing have made her an audience favorite as she has shared the stage with many jazz greats…Benny Carter, Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, Harry “Sweets” Edison and the great Sarah Vaughan, to name a few. Mary has often worked with the Jazz Arts Group as a vocalist and she continues to build her resume to include acting, gaining roles in movies such as The Jesse Owens Story. (source)
PBJ & Jazz concerts are 1-hour long interactive concerts designed to introduce jazz and American music to young children and their families. Featuring some of Columbus’ finest musicians and ensembles, PBJ & Jazz concerts are hosted by former Columbus Music Hall owner and retired music educator Rebecca Ogden – and are a great introduction to live music for the youngest audience member.
PBJ & Jazz with Vernon Hairston Trio and Mary McClendon
Saturday, September 8th, Noon
Topiary Park
480 East Town Street
Columbus, OH 43215