PURCHASE, N.Y., September 2026 – Mark Morganelli and an all-star ensemble delighted a rapt audience at Manhattanville University's historic Reid Castle on September 24, as the University's acclaimed Jazz at Reid Castle series continued with an evening celebrating The American Popular Songbook. The performance drew jazz enthusiasts from throughout the region for a night of music in one of Westchester County's most distinctive venues.
The concert featured renowned trumpeter and flugelhornist Mark Morganelli, founder of Jazz Forum Arts, joined by an outstanding lineup of musicians: Roni Ben-Hur on guitar, Marcus McLaurine on bass, Darrian Douglas on drums, and special guest vocalist Sherma Andrews. Together, the ensemble brought new life to beloved classics from the Great American Songbook, showcasing the enduring works of legendary composers including George and Ira Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday. Andrews' powerful vocals and the ensemble's dynamic arrangements created a memorable performance and drew a standing ovation from the crowd.
"It's always a thrill to perform in the historic Reid Castle and the American Popular Songbook event was particularly enjoyable, as it was the first time we were honored to collaborate with the amazing vocalist Sherma Andrews," said Morganelli.
The September concert marked another successful chapter for the Jazz at Reid Castle series, which has quickly become a signature cultural offering for the University and the surrounding community. The series will conclude its 2026 season with a Holiday Jazz Celebration on December 10, bringing audiences together for an evening of seasonal favorites and world-class jazz performance.
To see additional photos of the performance visit, click here.
Building on the success of this year's events, Manhattanville University is pleased to announce the return of the Jazz at Reid Castle series in 2027. Four performances are scheduled throughout the year:
For more information and to purchase tickets for upcoming performances, please visit https://mville.edu/jazzatreidcastle.
Reid Castle: An Iconic Venue Rooted in History
Designed by the renowned architect Stanford White, Reid Castle's history of hosting events began with the marriage of New York Tribune owner Whitelaw Reid and his wife, Elizabeth. In 1888, the pair envisioned transforming their country home into the legendary architectural and landscaping landmark it remains today. Reid Castle features a marbled reception hall and grand rooms inspired by French châteaux, evoking the timeless sophistication of the Gilded Age. Surrounding the castle are grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the mastermind behind New York City's Central Park.
About Manhattanville University
Manhattanville University (formerly Manhattanville College) is a private liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence, purposeful education, and social responsibility. U.S. News & World Report ranks Manhattanville among the Top Performers of Social Mobility in Regional Universities North. Located 30 miles from New York City on a 100-acre suburban campus in the heart of Westchester County, Manhattanville enables easy access to entertainment offerings, educational resources, and business opportunities for its diverse student body. Founded in 1841, the university offers more than 75 undergraduate and graduate areas of study. For more information, visit mville.edu.
About the Artist: Mark Morganelli
Mark Morganelli is a renowned jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist, promoter, and educator who serves as the founder and Executive Director of Jazz Forum Arts. A prolific musician, Morganelli has recorded six albums, including his most recent works For Miles and Brasil!. Over his career, he has performed with jazz giants such as Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, and Ron Carter. Morganelli established the Jazz Forum club in Tarrytown, NY, in 2017, which presents live music weekly and has been named one of the top jazz venues in the world by DownBeat Magazine.
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