Nationally Renowned Jazz Band Coming to Upper St. Clair

Last year's jazz concert went so well, the of Upper St. Clair decided to do it again. This year, with help from MCG Jazz and Columbia Gas, they're bringing a nationally renowned . 

"We're really, really excited about this," said Becky Stern, the event chair for the Community Foundation.

Spyro Gyra is considered one of the most listenable jazz bands around and they have the ability to appeal to those who would not normally consider this type of music. 

"Over the year's we have found a very nice balance; a pretty sophisticated sound," saxophonist Jay Beckenstein said. "We play music that's difficult and challenging."

The band has played a blend of jazz, pop and world music for more than 30 years and had its breakthrough hit in 1979. "Morning Dance" became a Top 40 single and still is in rotation on contemporary jazz radio stations.

The group's 2001 track, "In Modern Times," spent 64 weeks on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart.

The Upper St. Clair High School Jazz Ensemble will be opening the show.

"Not everyday do you get to open for major recording artists," Stern said.

The jazz students, and any other Pittsburgh students interested in music, will be invited to sit down with the band before the show, listen to the sound check and get to ask questions. 

"We love doing those type of things. Everybody wants their music to last a long time," Beckenstein said. "I was inspired by Cannonball Adderly and musicians like him. And through me, they're music lives on. We hope what we're doing will last into the future for the students."

The concert will take place on Friday, April 8 at the . General Admission tickets are  $35 for adults and $15 for students.

""We can guarantee you're not going to yawning," Beckenstein said. "We're all about fun."